HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION

War Memorial: New Palace Yard

Mark Pritchard: To ask the hon. Member for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross representing the House of Commons Commission, if the Commission will undertake a feasibility study for a permanent war memorial in New Palace Yard.

John Thurso: There are no existing proposals for a permanent war memorial to be situated in New Palace Yard. A Joint (Commons and Lords) War Memorial Committee was set up before the end of world war one, and then again for world war two, to consider what memorials should be installed in Parliament. If the hon. Member has a specific proposal, I suggest that he approaches the Speaker’s Advisory Committee on Works of Arts in the first instance.

EDUCATION

Children: Day Care

Harriet Harman: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many registered child care places in the London borough of Southwark there were in (a) 2009, (b) 2010, (c) 2011, (d) 2012 and (e) 2013.

Elizabeth Truss: The Department for Education’s Childcare and Early Years Providers Survey collects data on all registered child care places at a national and regional level. However, information is not provided at a lower geographical level. The following table provides data for 2009, 2010 and 2011. Data is not available for 2012. Data from the 2013 survey will be published in September 2014.
	
		
			 Number of registered places 
			  2009 20101 2011 
			  England London England London England London 
			 Full day care 647,800 102,200 716,700 99,200 721,500 100,900 
			 Sessional 227,900 25,100 251,000 35,600 251,000 38,400 
			 After school clubs 272,500 47,400 368,100 58,800 357,400 54,100 
			 Holiday clubs 260,400 38,800 349,400 61,000 339,300 49,400 
			 Childminders 262,900 37,700 245,100 38,300 236,900 37,200 
			 Total child care 1,671,500 251,100 1,930,300 292,800 1,906,100 280,100 
			 Nursery schools 29,600 4,700 25,300 5,100 25,900 5,600 
			 Primary schools with nursery and reception classes 468,300 107,400 491,800 125,800 489,100 121,000 
			 Primary schools with reception but no nursery classes 272,700 17,300 308,400 16,600 286,900 15,200 
			 Total early years 770,600 129,500 825,500 147,500 802,000 141,800 
			 Total overall 2,442,100 380,600 2,755,800 440,300 2,708,100 421,900 
			 1 A new sampling approach was adopted in the 2010 survey due to changes in the way Ofsted classified child care providers that may have impacted on trends between 2010 and previous years.

Discovery New School

Henry Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will review the decision to withdraw funding from Discovery New School in Crawley constituency following the appointment of a new headteacher and management team.

Edward Timpson: On 22 November the Under-Secretary of State for Schools, Lord Nash, requested a Further Action Statement from the Academy Trust of Discovery New School (DNS). The Further Action Statement received on 6 December failed to satisfy the Department that the action the Academy Trust proposes to take is sufficient in all the circumstances. The actions to improve the staff and the school, set out in the Further Action Statement are almost wholly dependent upon the head teacher and external consultants. We were not satisfied that the Academy Trust has the capacity to make adequate progress or that it has robust plans to enable it to recruit and retain the high-quality permanent staff and senior leadership that it needs in order to improve at a rapid pace.
	We reached our final decision on 13 December when, in accordance with clause 90 of the Funding Agreement, we gave written notice that the Funding Agreement with DNS Academy Trust shall terminate on 4 April 2014.
	The Secretary of State for Education, my right hon. Friend the Member for Surrey Heath (Michael Gove), is satisfied that the decision to terminate the funding agreement that he holds with the Academy Trust of DNS was the correct decision in these circumstances.

Education: Finance

Nicholas Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education whether all local authorities provide funding to students aged 16 to 25 with high needs who are in the second year or later of their course.

Matthew Hancock: Local authorities are obliged to preserve continuity of provision for young people who have already started a course and who will continue into a new academic year. To this end, the Secretary of State for Education, my right hon. Friend the Member for Surrey Heath (Michael Gove), has imposed a funding condition on all local authorities, through the Dedicated Schools Grant. This states that if a student requires top-up funding and was already placed in an institution when the new funding system for high needs pupils was introduced, the local authority must enter into an agreement with the institution to make top-up payments until the pupil leaves the institution, or the contract is replaced by another.

Education: Finance

Ian Mearns: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what assessment he has made of the comparative funding rates for (a) pre-school provision, (b) primary schools, (c) secondary schools and (d) education and training for 16 to 18-year-olds in the most recent period for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement.

David Laws: On 18 December 2013, the Department for Education published the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) allocations for 2014-15. The table setting out allocations for each local authority has been placed in the House Library. At a national level, we do not allocate funding at different rates for primary and secondary school pupils.
	From September 2014, the Government will extend the entitlement to 570 hours per year of funded early education to the 40% most disadvantaged two-year-olds.
	The following table shows the 2014-15 per pupil funding levels for the two-year-old entitlement, Early Years Block of DSG (for three and four-year-olds) and Schools Block of DSG. These rates are unchanged from 2013-14.
	
		
			  England average per-pupil unit of funding (FTE) (£) (2014-15) 
			 2-year-old entitlement 4,835.00 
			 Early Years Block (for three and four-year-olds) 4,282.41 
			 Schools Block (five to 16-year-olds) 4,550.54 
		
	
	Schools will also receive the pupil premium for their pupils who are eligible for free school meals or who have been eligible for FSM in the past six years. In 2014-15, schools will receive £1,300 per eligible primary pupil, £935 per eligible secondary pupil and £1,900 for all looked-after children, adopted children and children with guardians.
	The average funding per full-time student between the ages of 16 and 18 in the 2012/13 academic year for schools and colleges in England was £5,130. This is the latest year for which data are available.

Education: Finance

Ian Mearns: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many 18-year-olds were in (a) full-time and (b) part-time education funded by his Department in academic years (i) 2011-12, (ii) 2012-13 and (iii) 2013-14; and how many of those were studying in (A) school sixth forms, (B) sixth form colleges and (C) further education colleges.

Matthew Hancock: The following table shows how many 18-year-olds (based on academic age) were in full-time or part-time provision funded by the Education Funding Agency (EFA) in academic years 2011/12 and 2012/13, by institution type. Data for 2013/14 is not yet available.
	The funding definition of full-time that applied in these years, that is study of 450 guided learning hours per year or more, is used to differentiate full-time and part-time learning. Figures represent full-year learner numbers.
	
		
			 18-year-olds in EFA funded provision, full-time/part-time 2011/12 to 2012/13 
			  2011/12 FT 2011/12 PT 2012/13 FT 2012/13 PT 
			 Schools 16,400 3,900 17,700 5,400 
			 Sixth form colleges 10,600 1,600 11,500 1,600 
			 General further education colleges 99,400 36,200 97,800 37,900 
			 Other 9,700 8,900 10,100 10,100 
			 Total1 136,100 50,600 137,100 55,000 
			 1 These figures exclude pupils in special schools because reliable data are not available in a format consistent with other data in the table. Special schools' allocations are not calculated based on the same data as other institutions; therefore it is not appropriate to present their data alongside that shown in the table. Source: School Census & ILR 2011/12, 2012/13. Figures rounded to nearest 100.

Education: Finance

Ian Mearns: To ask the Secretary of State for Education with reference to the announcement by his Department of 10 December 2013, whether an equality impact assessment has been conducted on the changes to funding for academic year 2014-15 for students aged 16 to 19; and if he will make a statement.

David Laws: An equality impact assessment was completed. Following his appearance at the Education Select Committee (ESC), the Secretary of State for Education, the right hon. Member for Surrey Heath (Michael Gove), will write to you and the ESC on this topic in the near future.

Education: Finance

Ian Mearns: To ask the Secretary of State for Education for what reason some 18-year-olds are required to take a third year of post-16 education funded by his Department.

Matthew Hancock: 18-year-olds are not required to take a third year of post-16 education. From September 2013, all young people in England are required to continue in education or training for a further year after the compulsory school leaving age; from summer 2015, this period will be extended until their 18th birthday.

Education: Finance

Ian Mearns: To ask the Secretary of State for Education with reference to the announcement by his Department of 10 December 2013, whether the effects of changes to funding for academic year 2014-15 for students aged 16 to 19 were modelled on specific further education and sixth-form colleges.

Matthew Hancock: Before making the announcement of 10 December 2013, about changes to funding for 16 to 19-year-olds for the academic year 2014/15, the Department modelled the impact of the changes on every provider of 16 to 19 education. As is normal, the modelling will be revised in future, when we get updated data about the volume and characteristics of learners recruited by each provider.

Education: Young People

Nicholas Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education pursuant to the answer of 6 November 2013, Official Report, column 226W, on education: young people, what progress his Department has made on examining how data collection would be improved to provide an estimate of that group.

Matthew Hancock: Local authorities have now started collecting data aligned to the Raising the Participation Age legislation, set out in the Education and Skills Act 2008. The Department for Education plans to publish the first local authority data in spring 2014. The published data will relate to December 2013, and show participation in education and training of young people who were aged 16 at 31 August 2013, ie those to whom the duty to participate applies in 2013/14 and who will turn 17 during this academic year.

Free Schools

Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what provision has been made to claw back funding when free schools fail to recruit projected pupil numbers.

Edward Timpson: Where an academy has been funded in an academic year on the basis of its estimated pupil numbers, we will make an adjustment in line with its funding agreement in the following year. This process applies equally to free schools.

Free Schools

Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Education in the case of each free school which has been required to return funding owing to low pupil numbers, what the amount of that funding was.

Edward Timpson: Where an academy has been funded in the current academic year on the basis of its estimated pupil numbers, we will make an adjustment in line with its funding agreement in the following year. This applies equally to free schools. It is natural that some new schools will take time to reach full capacity, depending on their planned expansion rate and recruitment performance. The recent report by the National Audit Office showed that free schools get more popular the longer they are open.
	A total value of £239,175 will be returned to the Department from new free schools which did not recruit the predicted pupil numbers in 2012/13. No repayment was due for 2011/12. For comparison, the amount returned to the Department by academy schools in 2009/10 was £11,034,319.
	The schools and amounts in question are set out in the following table:
	
		
			  £ 
			 Al Madinah School 88.70 
			 Southwark Free School 49,356.00 
			 CET Primary School (Westminster) 36,607.00 
			 The Gateway Academy - Free School 30,466.00 
			 Avanti House School 15,154.00 
			 King's Leadership Academy (Warrington) 5,888.00 
			 School 21 5,173.00 
			 CET Primary School (Tower Hamlets) 4,344.00 
			 Sandymoor School Total 3,480.00 
			  239,175.00 
		
	
	As this process runs at one year's remove, we do not yet have the information for academies that were funded on the basis of their estimates in 2013/14.
	The largest single repayment in 2009/10 was to the value of £966,725 by Crest Boys' Academy.

Ministers: Members' Interests

Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Education when Ministers in his Department each last updated their declaration of interests relating to (a) free schools, (b) academies, (c) initial teacher training provision and (d) other education services.

Elizabeth Truss: The Cabinet Office publishes the list of Ministers' declaration of interests, which is available online1.
	All Ministers in the Department for Education published their declaration of interests in October 2013.
	1https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/254671/ministers-interests-october-2013.pdf

Teachers: Training

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what steps the Government is taking to encourage graduates to go into teaching.

David Laws: The Government is committed to ensuring that there are sufficient high quality teachers in the classroom.
	For initial teacher training (ITT) courses starting in 2014/15, we have announced increased bursaries of up to £20,000, focussed on subjects which generally struggle to attract enough applicants. We have also announced increases to ITT scholarships, run by prestigious subject bodies in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and computing, now worth £25,000; and we have increased the number available.
	For subjects which are a priority in terms of recruitment, graduates interested in teaching receive support from our Premier Plus service, including a personal recruitment adviser and access to the School Experience Programme.
	We have expanded Teach First, allowing up to 1,500 graduates to achieve a teaching qualification and develop lifelong leadership skills in some of our more challenging school environments and we have developed new marketing messages which place teaching alongside other high flying careers.
	We want teaching to be seen as a profession in which those who are outstanding are rewarded accordingly, so we have also given schools the freedom to pay the best teachers the most.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Afghanistan

Stephen McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development pursuant to the answer of 25 November 2013, Official Report, columns 70-71W, on Afghanistan, how many Afghan nationals were trained in the Bost Airfield and Agricultural Park programme; how many of them were trained outside Afghanistan; and in what other countries they were trained.

Justine Greening: Five Afghan nationals were trained as part of the Bost Airfield and Agricultural Park programme and attended training workshops in the UAE.
	The Bost industrial business park proposal was originally approved by officials in 2009 at a time when Ministers did not approve spend under £40 million. In 2012 it became clear that the project could no longer be completed within the original time frame and in good order. To avoid wasting taxpayers’ money, I decided that UK funding for the project should be cancelled. The completed park designs have been handed over to the Afghan authorities to enable them to pursue the project over a revised time frame.

Central African Republic

Fiona Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what specialist training or experience representatives of her Department working (a) on the ground in or near the Central African Republic and (b) in the UK to help tackle the current problems in that country have in conflict resolution in respect of sectarian and religious differences.

Lynne Featherstone: DFID employs staff with a range of relevant skills and experience to work on the response to humanitarian crises. This includes staff drawn from the DFID conflict adviser cadre, who have specific qualifications and significant experience in conflict situations.

Developing Countries: Forests

Graham Stuart: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the role of forest governance and national legislation in the preparation and implementation of REDD+ strategies in developing countries.

Lynne Featherstone: Good governance is essential to forest management.
	DFID’s Forest Governance, Markets and Climate (FGMC) Programme is supporting reforms to improve forest governance in a number of countries, including Liberia, Ghana, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Indonesia.

Developing Countries: Forests

Graham Stuart: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps her Department has taken to support capacity building in national parliaments and the development of national legislation as part of the preparation and implementation of REDD+ strategies in developing countries in each of the last five years.

Lynne Featherstone: In 2010-11, DFID provided £91,000 to support the Global Legislators Organisation (GLOBE) to work with legislators in forest nations and increase their involvement in preparing and implementing national REDD+ strategies.

Human Rights

Fiona Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if her Department will review the effectiveness of its strategy on tackling abuse of the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion (a) in jurisdictions where there is persecution of Christians and (b) in all other jurisdictions where such abuse is taking place.

Lynne Featherstone: UK aid is used to promote the human rights of all citizens, regardless of faith or belief. DFID promotes respect for human rights, including religious freedoms, through its partnerships with governments and, where necessary, raises issues of concern with governments in collaboration with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. In addition, DFID programmes address the underlying causes of religious conflict and hostility, and support marginalised groups, including faith groups, to hold their own governments to account.
	DFID is not currently planning to review this approach.

Palestinians

Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent assessment she has made of the humanitarian situation in Gaza; and if she will make a statement.

Alan Duncan: We are deeply concerned by the chronic humanitarian situation in Gaza, which has been exacerbated by recent severe weather, leading to significant flooding and property damage. Our partner agencies have assessed that existing emergency response mechanisms are currently working adequately. We continue to monitor the situation closely and remain in close contact with our partners on the ground.

Palestinians

Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will take steps to ensure that assistance is given to the people of Gaza who have been evacuated from their homes owing to flooding. [R]

Alan Duncan: Widespread flooding has necessitated the evacuation of hundreds of families in Gaza. DFID officials have been in close contact with UN and other agencies to ensure that existing emergency response mechanisms are working adequately. We will continue to monitor the situation closely. Our substantial existing support to the people of Gaza, including providing food vouchers to poor families and basic services such as health care, will continue to support the most vulnerable at this critical time.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

Conditions of Employment

John McDonnell: To ask the Attorney-General how many direct employees and contracted workers of the Law Officers' Departments and its arms lengths bodies are paid less than the rate defined by the Living Wage Foundation as a living wage; and how many direct employees are on zero hours contracts.

Oliver Heald: The CPS directly employs four staff whose salary is below the rate defined by the Living Wage Foundation. As a result of planned changes to rates of pay, all four employees will be paid salaries in excess of the living wage by .31 March 2014. The CPS does not employ people on zero-hours contracts.
	No direct employees or temporary workers employed by the remaining Law Officers' Departments are paid less than the Living Wage or are on zero hour contracts.

Crown Prosecution Service

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Attorney-General pursuant to the answer of 9 December 2013, Official Report, column 8W, on the Crown Prosecution Service, what type of offences were concerned in each of the 15 instances where a Crown Prosecution Service review overturned the prosecutor's original decision; and whether it was possible for the suspect in those cases to be re-charged.

Oliver Heald: The category of offences concerned in each of the 15 instances in which a Crown Prosecution Service review overturned the prosecutor's original decision is as follows, together with confirmation as to whether it was possible for the suspect in those cases to be re-charged:
	
		
			  No Yes Total 
			 Burglary 0 1 1 
			 Criminal damage 0 1 1 
			 Fraud and forgery 2 2 4 
			 Motoring offences 1 3 4 
			 Offences against the person 1 2 3 
			 Theft and handling 1 1 2 
			 Total 5 10 15

Crown Prosecution Service

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Attorney-General pursuant to the answer of 9 December 2013, Official Report, column 8W, on the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), what type of offences were concerned in each of the 57 instances where a CPS review overturned the prosecutor's original decision; and in how many of those instances the suspect was charged.

Oliver Heald: The category of offences concerned in each of the 57 instances in which a Crown Prosecution Service review overturned the prosecutor's original decision is as follows:
	
		
			 Offence Category Number 
			 Burglary 4 
			 Criminal damage 3 
			 Fraud and forgery 7 
			 Motoring 1 
			 Offences against the person 28 
			 Sexual offences 11 
			 Theft and handling 2 
			 All other offences (excluding motoring) 1 
			 Total 57 
		
	
	Charges have been recommended in each of the 57 instances. As at 18 December 2013, proceedings have commenced in 47 of those instances.

Crown Prosecution Service

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Attorney-General if he will amend his measurement of performance by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) from percentage of cases taken up by the CPS achieving a successful conviction to the percentage of crimes solved; and if he will make a statement.

Oliver Heald: While recording successful convictions as a percentage of crimes solved may give some indication as to the performance of the Criminal Justice System, it would not represent an appropriate performance measure for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
	Not all crimes solved are prosecuted by the CPS, for instance many specified proceedings are prosecuted by the police or result in an out of court disposal. Furthermore, CPS performance measures are based on defendants prosecuted rather than individual offences committed.

DEFENCE

Afghanistan

Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the total cost of UK intervention in Afghanistan since 2001 to the latest date for which figures are available; and what estimate he has made of likely costs of UK intervention in Afghanistan until 2015.

Mark Francois: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) does not normally record the total costs of military operations. The net additional costs of military operations in Afghanistan for the financial years 2001-02 to 2012-13 are recorded in the MOD's annual report and accounts for those years, which are available in the Library of the House. Net additional costs are those which the Department would not have incurred had the operation not taken place. The Department's estimate of the net additional cost of military operations in Afghanistan this year was published in the MOD's 2013-14 main estimates. The estimate for costs in 2014-15 will be published in that year's main estimates. In both cases the final spend will be published in the relevant year's annual report and accounts.

Conflict Resolution: Females

Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment his Department has made of the implications of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security for the armed forces; and how that resolution will be incorporated into the education and training of UK armed forces.

Mark Francois: The Ministry of Defence is doing a considerable amount to support implementation of UNSCR 1325, as the main focus of our efforts on gender issues in the international context. We work closely with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Department for International Development in the production of the UK National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security. The National Action Plan outlines the activity across Government and focuses bilateral and multilateral engagement. The implementation of the principles of UNSCR 1325, and the associated resolutions, is covered by many extant aspects of mandatory military training such as instruction on the Law of Armed Conflict and Equality and Diversity. The new National Action Plan, which is to be released in the spring, will look to articulate where and how UNSCR 1325, the associated resolutions, work under the Prevention of Sexual Violence Initiative and the other Women, Peace and Security strands fit into operational planning and training.

Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many civilians have completed the condensed Initial Officer Training course to fly and work on the Voyager aircraft fleet.

Mark Francois: Since commencement of the Voyager PF1 contract, a total of two civilians employed by AirTanker Services have completed the condensed initial officer training course to fly and work on the Voyager aircraft fleet. Of the other current Voyager sponsored reservists, three did a bespoke training course out of sync with the course schedule. Six were granted a waiver from having to undertake the initial officer training course due to previous RAF experience and the remaining three are yet to do the course.

RAF Machrihanish

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  when it was agreed to allow the stationing of nuclear weapons from the US at RAF Machrihanish; who approved the deployment; and how many weapons and what type were involved;
	(2)  for how long nuclear weapons from the US were stationed at RAF Machrihanish; what the methods of transportation were to and from the base; what arrangements were in place for storage; and whether RAF aircraft were authorised to deliver the weapons in a nuclear strike.

Mark Francois: Since the early 1950s the US has had the ability to base their nuclear weapons in the UK. However we do not comment on deployment policy. This policy is applied across NATO. RAF Machrihanish was returned to the Ministry of Defence in June 1995.

RAF Machrihanish

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what US air force aircraft used RAF Machrihanish in the last five years before the base closed.

Mark Francois: The Ministry of Defence no longer holds information on the type of US Air Force aircraft that used RAF Machrihanish in the period 1990-95.

RAF Waddington

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps his Department has taken to promote the interoperability of capabilities and systems at RAF Waddington with the UK's NATO allies in 2013. [R]

Mark Francois: RAF systems based at RAF Waddington make a major national contribution to interoperability with NATO Allies. The RAF's E-3D Sentry is the UK's contribution to the NATO Airborne Early Warning and Control Force. Sentinel, Shadow and Reaper, the RAF's remotely piloted aircraft system, all contributed to NATO's ISAF intelligence, target acquisition and surveillance operations in Afghanistan during 2013.

Unmanned Air and Marine Vehicles

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 4 March 2013, Official Report, column 849W, on unmanned aerial and marine vehicles, what assessment he has made of the potential use of unmanned vehicles for maritime reconnaissance by the Air ISTAR Optimisation Study.

Mark Francois: The initial findings of the Air ISTAR Optimisation Study (AIOS) indicate that, in the short to medium timescale (now to 2025), unmanned air systems (UAS) could provide a capability covering unit and force protection—but not wide area surveillance—above water. Unmanned wide area surveillance for anti- submarine warfare (ASW) would be more challenging before 2035. Further work is needed to understand: the specific capabilities that could be delivered and how they could be integrated, air worthiness certification and the affordability of such systems. The next phase of the AIOS will consider the role of UAS in order to inform decisions leading up to and part of the Strategic Defence and Security Review planned in 2015.

Unmanned Air Vehicles

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 10 December 2013, Official Report, column 198W, on unmanned air vehicles, whether he will place in the Library copies of the factual reports, studies and trials on which the legal review is based. [R]

Mark Francois: Reaper is a system procured from the US which is currently being used on operations in Afghanistan. The reports requested contain operationally sensitive information on current capabilities, disclosure of which would prejudice the capability, effectiveness and security of the armed forces.

Unmanned Air Vehicles

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 10 December 2013, Official Report, columns 197-8W, on unmanned air vehicles, if he will disclose details of the funding provided by the United States Visiting Forces (USVF) to meet their day-to-day activities at RAF Croughton and RAF Moleworth identified by reference to each (a) unit present, (b) activity carried out and (c) facility used by USVF. [R]

Mark Francois: The United States Air Force 422nd Air Base Group at RAF Croughton has an annual budget in the region of £10.5 million to support its operations at the base. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) does not hold a breakdown of this figure.
	Units at RAF Molesworth are supported by budgets from multiple commands including NATO, US European Command, US Africa Command and the US Air Forces in Europe. The MOD does not hold a breakdown of these budgets.

Unmanned Air Vehicles

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 10 December 2013, Official Report, column 197W, on unmanned air vehicles, if his Department will implement the recommendations of the UN Special Rapporteur on Counter-Terrorism in paragraph 78 of his September 2013 report. [R]

Mark Francois: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 18 November 2013, Official Report, column 706W.

Unmanned Air Vehicles

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 10 December 2013, Official Report, column 198W, on unmanned air vehicles, what local force protection is currently provided for or planned by Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels. [R]

Mark Francois: Decisions on the level of local force protection measures for deployed Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels are based on an assessment of the threat, which will reflect a vessel's specific mission and deployment. The threat to naval service and units is constantly evolving and is kept under review to ensure the appropriate force protection measures are in place.
	Several different types of measure may be used to counter any threat, providing a layered approach to protection. Such measures can include physical protection; adapting tactics, techniques and procedures; effective use of intelligence; and electronic countermeasures.
	I cannot describe specific force protections measures publicly. I am withholding the information as its disclosure would, or would be likely to prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the armed forces.

Unmanned Air Vehicles

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Moray, of 15 October 2013, Official Report, column 640W, on unmanned air vehicles, whether his Department has overseen the development of any technologies used in the five new Reaper aircraft to enhance interoperability of those assets between the UK and NATO allied forces. [R]

Philip Dunne: No.

Unmanned Air Vehicles

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence with reference to the answer of 9 December 2013, Official Report, column 70W, on unmanned aerial vehicles, what the (a) unit, (b) service and (c) rank is of each of the United States Visiting Forces personnel based at (i) RAF Croughton and (ii) RAF Marham.

Mark Francois: There are 651 United States Air Force personnel at RAF Croughton under the command of the 422nd Air Base Group. Personnel range in rank from Colonel, the group commander, to Airman, the second most junior enlisted rank. The Ministry of Defence does not hold a list of personnel by unit and rank.
	There are no United States Visiting Forces personnel at RAF Marham.

JUSTICE

Electronic Tagging

Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many and what proportion of people given (a) prohibited activity and (b) exclusion requirements in each probation trust area were electronically monitored, in the most recent year for which figures are available.

Jeremy Wright: Legislation allows the courts to impose electronic monitoring of compliance with a prohibited activity requirement of a community order or a suspended sentence order. Legislation also requires the imposition of such monitoring of an exclusion requirement unless prevented from doing so because monitoring arrangements are not available in the local area or because necessary consents from third parties cannot be obtained, or where the particular circumstances of the case would make it inappropriate. In practice, neither exclusion nor prohibited activity requirements are monitored electronically because the location monitoring technology to enable this is not yet widely available.
	The MOJ therefore does not collect data to show whether or not compliance with these requirements is electronically monitored. Nevertheless, compliance with curfew requirements is almost always monitored electronically. The number of offenders starting community orders or suspended sentence orders in 2012 with (a) both a prohibited activity requirement and a curfew requirement and (b) both an exclusion requirement and a curfew requirement are as follows.
	1. 106 offenders subject to a community order and 123 subject to a suspended sentence order, and
	2. 175 offenders subject to a community order and 104 subject to a suspended sentence order.
	Location monitoring functionality is part of the current competition for electronic monitoring, The Government is currently at preferred bidder stage in the competition. Discussions with preferred bidders are continuing, with contracts to be awarded in the new year and GPS tagging expected to be introduced later in 2014. While the competition progresses, an interim agreement with Capita will see them take on responsibility for delivery of the current electronic monitoring service.

National Offender Management Service

Mary Glindon: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what the cost to the National Offender Management Service has been of monitoring the use of social media by its employees.

Jeremy Wright: NOMS does not routinely monitor social networks, but it will investigate their use by staff where there is cause to do so.

National Offender Management Service

Mary Glindon: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many staff within the National Offender Management Service (NOMS) monitor NOMS employees' use of social media.

Jeremy Wright: NOMS does not routinely monitor social networks, but it will investigate their use by staff where there is cause to do so. No staff are specifically employed to monitor employees' use of social media.

Oakwood Prison

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many prisoners Oakwood prison is contracted to hold; and whether its operator receives any payment for holding prisoners above its certified normal accommodation.

Jeremy Wright: The contractor must hold as many prisoners as my Department requires up to a maximum of 2,106. Payment is based on the number of available prisoner places, and my Department can receive a discount on unused places under certain circumstances. The term 'certified normal accommodation' is not applicable to the contract.

Oakwood Prison

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many times the targets for the evening lock-up time have been achieved in each month since HM Prison Oakwood opened.

Jeremy Wright: There is no target for evening lock-up at HMP Oakwood. As with other prisons, HMP Oakwood works to an established 'core-day' which indicates general timings to be followed, but allows the prison a measure of flexibility.

Oakwood Prison

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many times prison officer equivalent staff have worked shifts of (a) more than 12 hours, (b) more than 15 hours, (c) more than 18 hours and (d) more than 24 hours in each month since HM Prison Oakwood opened.

Jeremy Wright: The information requested is not collected centrally and could not be obtained without incurring disproportionate cost.

Prison Service

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 
	(1)  how much has been paid in severance pay to prison officers in each month since May 2010;
	(2)  how many prison officers have received severance pay and been re-employed by the National Offender Management Service in each month since May 2010;
	(3)  how much severance pay has been paid to prison officers who have been re-employed by the National Offender Management Service in each month since May 2010.

Jeremy Wright: Information on severance pay to prison officers in each month since May 2010 is held for some of this period by a contractor. The Department is waiting to receive this information and we will write to you with a detailed answer to this question when we have received this information.

Prisons

Stephen Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many prisons in England and Wales were (a) publicly-managed and (b) privately-run or contracted out to be run by the private sector in (i) 2009-10, (ii) 2010-11, (iii) 2011-12 and (iv) 2012-13.

Jeremy Wright: We will always have enough prison places for those sent to us by the courts but at much lower cost and in the right places to deliver our ambitions for reducing reoffending rates. We are doing this through a significant programme of replacing accommodation which is old, inefficient or has limited long-term strategic value and bringing down the cost of operating prisons. We propose to make significant cost reductions over the next few years through the application of an efficient benchmark for all public sector prisons, and through further competition of services. This replaces the previous approach of competing whole prisons and will deliver savings more quickly.
	The following table identifies the number of (a) publicly managed and (b)privately operated prisons and young offender institutions on the last working Friday in March in each year from 2010 to 2013. Publicly managed Immigration Removal Centres are not included in the following table
	
		
			  March 2010 March 2011 March 2012 March 2013 
			 Total 139 135 132 130 
			 Public 128 124 119 116 
			 Private 11 11 13 14

Prisons: Crimes of Violence

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many assaults on (a) prisoners and (b) prison staff there were (i) in HM Prison Oakwood and (ii) on average in all adult prisons in each of the last three years.

Jeremy Wright: The National Offender Management Service (NOMS) and the Prison Officers Association (POA) are jointly committed to a zero tolerance approach to assaults on staff, visitors and prisoners.
	NOMS takes the issue of assaults in prisons very seriously. It currently has systems in place to deal with perpetrators quickly and robustly, with serious incidents referred to the police for prosecution.
	NOMS is committed to exploring options to continue to improve how violence is tackled in prisons to keep both staff and prisoners safe. It is currently looking at the policy and practice of the management of violence.
	There are a number of factors that affect the number of assault incidents at any individual establishment. These include, but are not restricted to, the size of the population held at the prison, the type and role of the prison and the gender of the prisoners accommodated. For example, younger, male prisoners are more likely to be involved in an assault than other prisoners. Differences in population size of establishments mean it would not necessarily be correct to conclude that a prison with a higher number of incidents than the average is a less safe prison; nor that a prison with a lower number of incidents than the average is a safer prison.
	In addition to these factors, comparisons for the number of incidents at HMP Oakwood with the national average cannot be made. HMP Oakwood opened in April 2012 and was increasing the number of prisoners it held throughout 2012. Therefore, comparisons for HMP Oakwood, which was operational for only part of the year, with the national average for 2012 would not be statistically robust.
	Statistics on the number of assaults on staff for each prison establishment are published on an annual basis in the Safety in Custody statistics bulletin, published at:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/safety-in-custody-statistics
	They can be found in Table 3.15 of the annual tables accompanying each quarterly release.
	Figures for the rate of assaults and assaults on staff are provided in table 3.1 of the same bulletin.

Young Offender Institutions

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what assessment he has made of the relationship between the size of youth offenders institutions and ability to ensure the security and safety of staff and children resident there.

Jeremy Wright: The safety of young people in custody is our highest priority. The range of policies and procedures in place to ensure the security and safety of young people and staff in under-18 young offender institutions (YOIs) apply across the entire estate regardless of the size of the establishment.

COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Homelessness: Greater London

Karen Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government 
	(1)  what the actual and percentage change in the number of homeless households placed (a) out of borough and (b) out of London by each London local authority under prevention and relief of homelessness powers was in each of the last three years;
	(2)  how many households have been placed in other boroughs by each London local authority under homelessness duties in 2013-14 to date;
	(3)  what the actual and percentage change in the number of households placed in borough by each London local authority under all homelessness duties was in the last three years;
	(4)  how many households were placed as homeless in temporary accommodation (a) out of borough and (b) out of London in each London local authority area in 2012-13;
	(5)  what the actual and percentage change in the number of homeless households placed in temporary accommodation was (a) out of borough and (b) out of London in each London local authority area in each of the last three years;
	(6)  how many households were placed (a) out of borough and (b) out of London under prevention and relief of homelessness powers by each London local authority in 2012-13.

Kris Hopkins: holding answer 25 October 2013
	Temporary accommodation
	The Department does not collect information on the local authority area or location of households placed in temporary accommodation in another local authority district under homelessness legislation.
	However, I have placed in the Library of the House, figures for the number of households placed in temporary accommodation by London boroughs in another local authority district. To assist the hon. Member and facilitate public scrutiny, I have included yearly figures from 1997 to 2013.
	The hon. Member may wish to create arbitrary percentage changes, yet there is no clear pattern by London borough and the figures fluctuate from year to year; the datasets are also incomplete. Within the confines of the information available, I would observe that the number of people being placed in other districts was higher in many years in both London and England under the last administration, based on grossed estimates when taking account of non-responding local authorities.
	No council should be sending tenants en masse to a different part of the country. The law is clear that such a blanket policy would be unlawful. Councils must take into account the impact a change in location would have on each individual household they place, including possible disruption to things like employment and schooling.
	But clearly everyone needs to live within their means, and homeless households that are solely reliant on taxpayer-funded benefits should not expect to live in properties that working families feel they cannot afford, especially in the more expensive parts of central London.
	Indeed, I would note that the London borough of Hammersmith and Fulham has recently published an analysis rebutting suggestions of large increases in out-of-borough replacements due to the benefit cap. They observed:
	“Out of 546 households in temporary accommodation affected by the caps, just 10 have had to relocate into areas outside Hammersmith and Fulham. In 344 cases, or well over half of the cases in Hammersmith and Fulham, the council successfully negotiate a lower price, within the new subsidy, with private landlords. Another 180 people have been successfully rehoused in properties that are affordable under the Government's tougher new rules—with 152 cases remaining in Hammersmith and Fulham and just 18 cases resettled in neighbouring boroughs. Another concern was that the changes to benefits might have altered the number of private landlords offering their property to people on benefits, although this has not happened.” (Council press release, 15 November 2013).
	Permanent social lettings
	In the last two years (2011-13), there were 773,000 permanent social lettings made in England. A mere 483 (0.06%) involved general needs social lettings relocating a London-based tenant to an outside-London location. A table breaking down these 483 locations by month has also been placed in the Library of the House.
	Such figures would include relocations under the Greater London Authority's mobility scheme, Seaside and Country Homes; this scheme offers people who are aged 60 and over and live in social housing in London the opportunity to move voluntarily to housing association properties across the south coast, in East Anglia, Kent and Shropshire.
	In that context, I note that the top 10 areas of lettings (most popular first) are Basildon, Broxbourne, Hertsmere, Medway, Reigate and Banstead, Canterbury, Swale, Thurrock, Maldon and Dover.

Housing: Greater London

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government 
	(1)  what the top 10 destination towns were for families relocated by London local authorities in the last two years;
	(2)  how many families previously housed by London local authorities have been moved out of London in each of the last 24 months.

Kris Hopkins: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave today, PQs 172397, 172398, 172399, 172422, 172423 and 172424.

Housing: Greater London

Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what grants have been issued to (a) Enfield borough council and (b) all London councils under the New Homes Bonus scheme since its introduction.

Kris Hopkins: holding answer 11 December 2013
	The total amount allocated to the London borough of Enfield under the New Homes Bonus since its introduction in 2011-12 including the 2014-15 provisional figure, is £8.2 million. This recognises the delivery of 2,010 new homes (including affordable homes) and the bringing back into use of 47 long-term empty properties.
	The corresponding amount allocated to all London councils, including Enfield, is £473.6 million. This recognises the delivery of 110,432 new homes (including affordable homes) and bringing back into use of 14,497 long-term empty properties.

Housing: Hampshire

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what grants have been issued in (a) Portsmouth South constituency and (b) Hampshire under the New Homes Bonus scheme since that scheme's introduction.

Kris Hopkins: New Homes Bonus payments are made to local authorities.
	The total amount allocated to the City of Portsmouth Unitary Authority under the New Homes Bonus since its introduction in 2011-12 including the 2014-15 provisional figure, is £5.5 million. This recognises the delivery of 1,428 new homes (including affordable homes) and 280 long-term empty properties brought back into use.
	The corresponding amount allocated to all councils in Hampshire, including the Cities of Portsmouth and Southampton, is £73.5 million. This recognises the delivery of 18,942 new homes (including affordable homes) and bringing back into use of 1,527 long-term empty properties.

Local Government Finance

Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government when he expects to make an announcement on the local government finance settlement.

Brandon Lewis: The provisional local government finance settlement for 2014-15 was announced for consultation yesterday.

Railways: Radlett

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether any Minister in his Department has received verbal or written representations from the right hon. Member for Chipping Barnet regarding the Radlett Rail Freight Terminal.

Nicholas Boles: holding answer 16 December 2013
	All representatives of the Department act in accordance with "Guidance on Planning Propriety Issues" which can be found on my Department's website.
	A list of representations made to the Secretary of State in connection with the current planning appeal for a rail freight terminal at Radlett will be published when the final decision on that appeal is issued.
	I would observe that the Cabinet Secretary has recently written to another hon. Member on this matter. He noted that
	“there is no evidence that Ms Villiers sought to intervene improperly in the planning appeal process”;
	“there has been no breach of the Ministerial Code” and
	“both Departments (DCLG and DFT) acted properly in respect of the planning appeal”.

Railways: Radlett

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether any Minister in his Department has received verbal or written representations from any hon. Members who are or have been Ministers in the Treasury since May 2010 regarding the Radlett Rail Freight Terminal.

Nicholas Boles: holding answer 16 December 2013
	All representatives of the Department act in accordance with "Guidance on Planning Propriety Issues".
	A list of representations made to the Secretary of State in connection with the current planning appeal for a Strategic Rail Freight Terminal at Radlett will be published when the final decision on that appeal is issued.

Repossession Orders

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many homes have been repossessed in each of the last three years.

Kris Hopkins: According to information published by the Council of Mortgage Lenders, the following numbers of homes have been repossessed in the United Kingdom in the last three years:
	
		
			 Mortgages taken into possession, UK 
			  Number 
			 2010 38,500 
			 2011 37,300 
			 2012 33,900 
			 Source: Council of Mortgage Lenders, Table APS 
		
	
	Council of Mortgage Lenders arrears and possessions figures are for the United Kingdom as a whole. No breakdown of data is available for individual countries within the United Kingdom.
	The Ministry of Justice's mortgage and landlord possession statistics can be found at
	https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/mortgage-and-landlord-possession-statistics
	This includes quarterly National Statistics on possession claim actions in county courts by mortgage lenders for England and Wales.
	The Northern Ireland Court Service collects similar statistics.
	According to the Council of Mortgage Lenders, the number of repossessions is at its lowest annual figure since 2007.
	Moreover, Bank of England statistics published on 10 December state that the number of new mortgage arrears cases is at its lowest quarterly level since the statistical series began in 2007.
	The action that this Government has taken to tackle the deficit left by the last Administration has kept interest rates down and helped reduce the number of repossessions.

Right to Buy Scheme

Nick Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what guidance he has issued under the Right to Buy scheme to tenants who are considering purchasing leasehold properties on determining the extent of service charges and other leaseholder responsibilities for which they would assume responsibility.

Kris Hopkins: The Government has been clear that Right to Buy applicants must be provided with information on both the benefits and responsibilities that homeownership brings. Our Right to Buy booklets: Want to make your home your own? and Thinking of buying a council flat? provide tenants with advice and tools to help them work out the costs of homeownership. The booklets are available for free from social landlords or they can be downloaded here:
	http://righttobuy.communities.gov.uk/howtoapply/
	https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/thinking-of-buying-your-council-flat--2
	The Housing Act 1985 also contains a number of duties on social housing landlords in respect to supporting potential Right to Buy leaseholders. Social housing landlords must provide all tenants with a document containing information to assist the tenant in making their decision, including on leaseholder responsibilities. As part of the offer notice to a Right to Buy applicant, landlords must also provide an estimate of service charges for the first five-years of ownership.
	The right hon. Member may also be interested to note that the Department is currently considering the responses to our recent consultation on proposals to cap leaseholder charges at £10,000 outside London, and £15,000 in London, where the works to tenanted homes receive future Government funding. I would expect social landlords to ensure that leaseholder charges are always proportionate and rational, and deliver good value for money.

Social Enterprises: Finance

Barry Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what steps he is taking to encourage local communities to fund social enterprises through crowdfunding.

Stephen Williams: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 21 October 2013, Official Report, column 5-6. Ministers are keen to promote innovative ways of raising funds for civic and community projects and there have been several examples of where this approach has been utilised.

LEADER OF THE HOUSE

Written Questions

Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Leader of the House what recent assessment he has made of Government Departments’ performance in answering written parliamentary questions.

Andrew Lansley: My office collates departmental performance information for ordinary and named day parliamentary questions, which I submit in relation to each Session to the Procedure Committee. I provided data relating to the last Session to that Committee in July which is available on the parliamentary website.

HEALTH

Brain Cancer

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people have died of brain cancer in each of the last three years.

Nick Hurd: I have been asked to reply 
	on behalf of the Cabinet Office.
	The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply.
	Letter from Peter Fullerton, dated December 2013
	On behalf of the Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your recent question asking the Secretary of State for Health how many people have died of brain cancer in each of the last three years. [180979].
	Table 1 attached provides the number of deaths where brain cancer was the underlying cause of death, by country, in England and Wales, for deaths registered between 2010 and 2012 (the latest year available).
	The number of deaths registered in England and Wales each year by sex, age and underlying cause (including cancer), are published annually on the ONS website at:
	www.ons.gov.uk/ons/publications/all-releases.html?definition=tcm%3A77-27475
	
		
			 Table 1: Number of deaths where the underlying cause was brain cancer, by country, in England and Wales, for deaths registered between 2010 and 20121, 2, 3 
			  2010 2011 2012 
			 England and Wales (including non-residents) 3,385 3,443 3,628 
			 England 3,200 3,235 3,432 
			 Wales 179 203 184 
			 1 Brain cancer was defined using the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) code C71 (Malignant neoplasm of brain). 2 Figures for England and Wales separately exclude deaths of non-residents and are based on boundaries as of August 2013. The number of deaths for England and Wales separately will not sum to the combined England and Wales total, as non-residents are included in this total. 3 Figures are based on deaths registered, rather than deaths occurring in the years 2010 to 2012. In 2011 the median registration delay for brain cancer was two days. Further information on registration delays for a range of causes can be found on the ONS website: www.ons.gov.uk/ons/guide-method/user-guidance/health-and-life-events/impact-of-registration-delays-on-mortality-statistics/index.html

Cancer

Tessa Munt: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  pursuant to the answer of 22 October 2013, Official Report, column 82W, on radiotherapy, who sat on the panel reviewing stereotactic radiosurgery; and when he expects NHS England to publish the results of that study;
	(2)  pursuant to the answer of 15 October 2013, Official Report, column 703W, on health services, how many patients have agreed to be transferred from University College London Hospital to (a) BUPA-Cromwell, London and (b) HCA Bart's hospital for gamma knife radiosurgery treatment.

Jane Ellison: There is no designated panel for the demand and capacity review project for stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and Stereotactic radiotherapy, which is currently under way. Once completed, the findings of the review will be assessed by the specialised commissioning oversight group.
	Information concerning the number of patients that have agreed to be transferred from University College London Hospital to BUPA-Cromwell, London and HCA Bart's hospital for gamma knife SRS treatment is not held centrally.

Cancer

Tessa Munt: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 3 September 2013, Official Report, columns 349-50W, on cancer, how many patients were treated with gamma knife stereotactic radiosurgery at (a) Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, (b) Nova Healthcare in Leeds, (c) the Thornberry Radiosurgery Centre, Sheffield, (d) Bart's Health, London and (e) BUPA-Cromwell, London in each of the last five years; and how many such centres have reached the maximum number of patients allowed under the terms of their contract to provide such surgery in 2013-14.

Jane Ellison: Information regarding the number of patients who were treated with gamma knife stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Nova Healthcare in Leeds, the Thornberry Radiosurgery Centre, Sheffield, Bart's Health, London and BUPA-Cromwell, London in each of the last five years cannot be provided in the format requested.
	In 2013-14, all patients meeting the national clinical policy for SRS will have access to that treatment.
	The Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) has said it is unable to provide data for the Thornbury Radiosurgery Centre, Sheffield, as this centre submits data to the Secondary User Service (SUS) of Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) through Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, as an aggregated return.
	The HSCIC is also unable to provide data for Nova Healthcare in Leeds as they do not currently submit data to SUS and cannot provide data from BUPA-Cromwell, London, as there is no activity in this area submitted to the HES SUS by this provider.
	In the following table, we have provided finished consultant episodes (FCEs) with a main or secondary operative procedure of SRS on the tissue of the brain by the three relevant hospital providers for each of the last five years. FCEs should not be viewed as a count of patients, as a person may have more than one episode of care within the same stay in hospital or in different stays in the same year. It should also be noted that the majority of radiotherapy procedures, including SRS, are carried out in an out-patient setting, where the collection of this operative procedure data is not currently mandatory.
	
		
			  2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 
			 Barts Health NHS Trust — — — — 64 
			 Barts and the London NHS Trust 52 33 77 131 — 
			 Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust * 998 967 928 1,079 
			 Notes: 1. Due to reasons of confidentiality, figures between one and five have been suppressed and replaced with ‘*’ (an asterisk). 2. Data includes activity in English NHS Hospitals and English NHS commissioned activity in the independent sector. 3. In 2012-13 the Barts and the London NHS Trust became the Barts Health NHS Trust.

Chlamydia

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many cases of Chlamydia were treated by the NHS in each of the last five years, by region.

Jane Ellison: The following table contains the number of diagnoses of Chlamydia in England for four years (2009 to 2012) broken down by Public Health England (PHE) Centre. Regional-level data by patient area of residence are unavailable prior to 2009.
	
		
			 Number of Chlamydia diagnoses among England residents, by region, 2009 to 2012 
			 PHE Region and Centre of residence 2009 2010 2011 20121 
			 London PHE Region     
			 London 33,227 35,006 36,184 42,020 
			      
			 Midlands and East of England PHE Region     
			 Anglia and Essex 11,786 11,130 10,915 10,805 
			 East Midlands 11,736 12,970 12,660 14,233 
			 South Midlands and Hertfordshire 7,636 7,719 8,015 8,336 
			 West Midlands 14,738 18,181 18,609 19,430 
		
	
	
		
			 North of England PHE Region     
			 Cheshire and Merseyside 9,601 9,170 8,392 9,823 
			 Cumbria and Lancashire 7,567 7,672 6,713 7,471 
			 Greater Manchester 12,254 12,163 11,765 11,770 
			 North East 10,019 10,962 10,549 12,056 
			 Yorkshire and the Humber 20,730 21,402 19,748 19,723 
			      
			 South of England PHE Region     
			 Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire 7,253 7,822 7,695 8,229 
			 Devon, Cornwall, and Somerset 6,474 5,964 6,470 7,579 
			 Kent, Surrey and Sussex 10,023 10,022 11,100- 12,593 
			 Thames Valley 4,447 4,748 4,861 5,016 
			 Wessex 7,627 8,077 8,309 8,238 
			      
			 England total 175,118 183,008 181,985 197,322 
			 1 2012 data for Chlamydia diagnoses are not comparable to data from previous years (see further details in the following notes). Notes: Data are sourced from genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics and from community services. GUM clinic data are sourced from GUMCAD returns for all years shown (2009 to 2012). Community services data are sourced from the National Chlamydia Screening Program (NCSP) and from 'Non-NCSP/Non-GUM' services for 2009 to 2011. From 2012, however, community services data are sourced from the Chlamydia Testing Activity Dataset (CTAD). Furthermore, 2009 to 2011 community services data include only patients aged 15 to 24 years while those for 2012 include patients of all ages. As a result, Chlamydia data from 2012 are not comparable to data from previous years. 4. Data presented follow calendar years (January to December), not financial years (April to March). 5. Data represent the number of diagnoses reported and not the number of people diagnosed. 6. Data represent Chlamydia diagnoses among England residents only (i.e., data from residents of Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and others who accessed services in England are excluded). 7. Chlamydia diagnoses by patients' area of residence are not available prior to 2009.

Dementia

Chris Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he will take to support dementia research following the G8 Dementia Summit.

Daniel Poulter: The G8 countries agreed to work together to tackle and defeat dementia. The declaration announced the G8's ambition to identify a cure or a disease-modifying therapy by 2025 and to increase collectively and significantly the amount of funding for dementia research. The G8 also welcomed the United Kingdom's decision to appoint a dementia innovation envoy who will work to attract new sources of finance, including examining the potential for a private and philanthropic fund.
	Investment in dementia research by the Department's National Institute for Health Research has increased from £12.6 million in 2009-10 to £24.4 million in 2012-13.

Domestic Violence

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what estimate he has made of the cost to the NHS of dealing with domestic violence; what assessment he has made of the effect of domestic violence on physical and mental health; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  how many NHS trusts have an independent domestic violence advocacy service based in their accident and emergency or maternity unit.

Jane Ellison: Domestic violence was estimated1 to cost the economy £15.7 billion in 2008, including £1.7 billion in health care costs.
	Public Health England (PHE) collates and monitors indicators on domestic violence through the Public Health Outcomes Framework (PHOF) as part of tackling the wider determinants of ill health and the factors that affect health and well-being. The PHOF uses data from existing collections only and for domestic violence that comprises police recorded crime data on the number of domestic violence incidents. However, PHE is aware this represents only a proportion of the total number of cases as many cases never reach the attention of the police services.
	Directly and through its work with the national health service and local authorities, PHE is promoting awareness of domestic violence, supporting capacity development for addressing the causes and the impacts of domestic violence and promoting identification of individuals during routine health care consultations.
	In February 2011, we published the mental health strategy “No Health Without Mental Health”. The strategy acknowledges the links between mental health and domestic violence and the importance of having a whole-family approach.
	Published guidance by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) on recognition and treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder, self-harm, anxiety, psychosis and common mental health reflects the part that the experience of violence can play as triggers. NICE is expected to publish dedicated guidelines on domestic violence early next year, which will cover identification and prevention, including tackling the factors that affect health and well-being.
	Information on the number of independent domestic advocacy services in accident and emergency or maternity units in NHS trusts is not collected centrally.
	1 Research evidence by S. Walby, Lancaster university.

Hospitals: Waiting Lists

Tessa Munt: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 15 October 2013, Official Report, column 703W, on health services, what the procedure is for patients to exercise their legal right to choose where they are treated after they have waited longer than 18 weeks for treatment.

Jane Ellison: As set out in the National Health Service Commissioning Board and Clinical Commissioning Groups (Responsibilities and Standing Rules) Regulations 2012 and subsequently amended by the National Health Service and Public Health (Functions and Miscellaneous Provisions) Regulations 2013, the delivery of the NHS Constitution maximum waiting time right is a matter for NHS England and clinical commissioning groups as commissioners.
	Where a person has been referred to a consultant and has not or will not start treatment within 18 weeks, they can request an appointment to start treatment earlier at another provider.
	It is then the responsibility of the commissioner to take all reasonable steps to ensure that a person who makes such a request is offered an earlier appointment to start treatment with a range of suitable alternative providers.

Influenza: Vaccination

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many influenza inoculations were given by the NHS to people aged over (a) 65, (b) 75 and (c) 85 in each of the last 10 years.

Jane Ellison: The available information is set out in the table:
	
		
			 Seasonal flu vaccinations administered to people aged 65 and over in England under the NHS flu immunisation programme 
			  Number 
			 2006-07 5,779,145 
			 2007-08 5,934,370 
			 2008-09 6,130,532 
			 2009-10 5,938,128 
			 2010-11 6,287,011 
			 2011-12 6,764,364 
			 2012-13 6,881,636 
			 Source: Influenza Immunisation Vaccine Uptake Monitoring Programme, Public Health England. Information is not available on the number of vaccinations given to people aged over 75 or over 85, nor for years prior to 2006-07.

Kidneys: Diseases

Yasmin Qureshi: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what steps he is taking to reduce the inequalities in the provision of renal disease prevention and management;
	(2)  what assessment he has made of the report by the British Kidney Patient Association entitled Kidney health: delivering excellence.

Jane Ellison: NHS England has responsibility for determining the overall national approach to improve clinical outcomes from healthcare services for people with renal disease. It is committed to promoting high quality care for all and ensuring no group or community is left behind in the provision of healthcare services.
	NHS England advises that it welcomes the report “Kidney Health: Delivering Excellence”. The report has been presented to NHS England's Renal Advisory Group and priorities within the report's ambitions agreed, including designing a suite of patient centred quality markers for renal care.
	NHS England has also established a programme board to improve the management of acute kidney injury across England. The report's key ambitions around patient involvement and shared decision making are to be addressed with joint work between NHS England and stakeholders, including the British Kidney Patient's Association. Specialised commissioning specifications continue to be developed to support quality improvement.
	Many aspects of chronic kidney disease care are covered in the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence's (NICE) 2008 guidance on the early identification and management of chronic kidney disease in adults in primary and secondary care. Health and care professionals are expected to take NICE guidance on the treatment of relevant conditions fully into account when deciding how to treat a patient.
	The NICE chronic kidney disease Quality Standard covers identification, assessment and clinical management of chronic kidney disease in adults including the management of established renal failure and is driving measurable quality improvements within this area. NHS England is statutorily required to have regard to NICE quality standards.

Kidneys: Transplant Surgery

Yasmin Qureshi: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what recent assessment he has made of provision of kidney transplant services to minority ethnic groups; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what steps he is taking to promote transplant organ donation in black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

Jane Ellison: Building on the 60% increase in organ donation achieved over the last five years, “Taking Organ Transplantation to 2020”, the new United Kingdom-wide strategy to increase organ donation rates in all communities, was published by NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) in July 2013. The aim includes raising awareness and increase donation rates within the black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.
	People from black, Asian and minority ethnic communities are up to three times more likely to need a transplant than the wider population. They also wait longer for their transplant. Those waiting for a kidney transplant are more likely to die before the right organ match can be found for them. NHSBT will continue to engage with those communities to promote the importance and benefits of donation. NHSBT produced religious perspectives information leaflets in 2011, tailored to communicate to followers of a range of different religions. Further training and support will be provided for those who approach black, Asian and minority ethnic families.
	The Department established the National Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Transplant Alliance in 2012 to support campaigning organisations to tackle the problem of low organ and stem cell donor and transplantation rates among the black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.
	In addition, Gurch Randhawa, Professor of Diversity in Public Health at the University of Bedfordshire, published in December 2013 “The Faith Engagement and Organ Donation Action Plan”, which was developed by religious leaders in partnership with NHSBT. This sets out a range of suggested initiatives to address faith-related barriers to organ donation and urges followers to actively support donation. These will be considered as part of the implementation of the UK organ donation and transplantation strategy.
	NHS England commissions kidney transplant services and has responsibility to utilise organs provided effectively and efficiently. NHS England is currently reviewing all providers of specialised services against the published service specifications, with a view to ensuring that all services are being provided to a uniformly high standard. The results of this will be published in early 2014.

Liver Diseases

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many cases of alcohol-related liver disease were treated by the NHS in each of the last five years, by region.

Jane Ellison: The Department holds data only for hospital activity of people with alcohol-related liver disease. We have provided a count of finished consultant episodes (FCEs) with a primary diagnosis code of alcoholic liver disease for the years 2008-09 to 2012-13 broken down by strategic health authority (SHA) of treatment.
	It should be noted that these data should not be described as a count of people as the same person may have had more than one episode of care in any given year.
	
		
			 Sum of finished FCEs1 with a primary diagnosis2 of alcoholic liver disease3 for the years 2008-09 to 2012-134 
			 SHA of Treatment 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 
			 North East 1,820 2,102 2,293 2,384 2,485 
			 North West 5,440 6,013 6,518 7,075 7,575 
			 Yorkshire and the Humber 2,667 3,183 3,329 3,732 3,853 
			 East Midlands 2,180 2,473 2,564 2,474 2,292 
			 West Midlands 2,903 3,093 3,312 3,506 3,569 
			 East of England 2,481 2,797 3,049 3,276 3,009 
			 London 3,876 4,026 4,167 4,392 4,240 
			 South Coast 1,493 1,482 1,864 2,128 1,942 
			 South Central 1,811 1,679 1,535 1,789 1,603 
			 South West 2,948 3,044 3,284 3,334 2,952 
			 1Finished Consultant Episode (FCE). A finished consultant episode (FCE) is a continuous period of admitted patient care under one consultant within one health care provider. FCEs are counted against the year in which they end. Figures do not represent the number of different patients, as a person may have more than one episode of care within the same stay in hospital or in different stays in the same year. 2Primary diagnosis The primary diagnosis is the first of up to 20 (14 from 2002-03 to 2006-07 and seven prior to 2002-03) diagnosis fields in the Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) data set and provides the main reason why the patient was admitted to hospital. 3ICD-10 codes for alcoholic liver disease K70.0 Alcoholic fatty liver K70.1 Alcoholic hepatitis K70.2 Alcoholic fibrosis and sclerosis of liver K70.3 Alcoholic cirrhosis of liver K70.4 Alcoholic hepatic failure K70.9 Alcoholic liver disease, unspecified 4Assessing growth through time (in-patients) HES figures are available from 1989-90 onwards. Changes to the figures over time need to be interpreted in the context of improvements in data quality and coverage (particularly in earlier years), improvements in coverage of independent sector activity (particularly from 2006-07) and changes in NHS practice. For example, changes in activity may be due to changes in the provision of care. Note: Activity in English NHS Hospitals and English NHS commissioned activity in the independent sector. Data quality HES are compiled from data sent by more than 300 NHS trusts and primary care trusts in England and from some independent sector organisations for activity commissioned by the English NHS. Health and Social Care Information Centre liaises closely with these organisations to encourage submission of complete and valid data and seeks to minimise inaccuracies. While this brings about improvement over time, some shortcomings remain. Source: Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), The Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC).

Medical Services: Harlow

Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much the NHS spent in what is now Harlow constituency in (a) 2006-07, (b) 2008-09, (c) 2010-11 and (d) 2012-13.

Daniel Poulter: Information is not collected at constituency level. The following table represents the net operating costs for West Essex primary care trust (PCT), which covered Harlow constituency. The net operating cost of a PCT was the most accurate reflection available of the total cost of commissioning health care for the PCTs resident population.
	
		
			 Net operating costs for West Essex 
			  £000 
			 2006-07 365,451 
			 2008-09 377,245 
			 2010-11 429,419 
			 2012-13 466,867 
			 Notes: 1. Data is not collected at constituency level. The lowest level that data is collected is by PCT. 2. West Essex PCT was formed in October 2006 from three previous PCTs—Epping Forest, Harlow and Uttlesford. 3. Following the reorganisation of the NHS, West Essex PCT was abolished on 31 March 2013. Source: Audited PCT summarisation schedules from which the NHS (England) summarised accounts are prepared.

National Skills Academy for Social Care

Julian Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the National Skills Academy for Social Care graduate scheme; and what plans he has to continue that scheme.

Norman Lamb: The Department has made a significant investment in the graduate scheme that is managed by the National Skills Academy for Social Care. The last iteration of the scheme, which consisted of 20 trainees, has been independently evaluated and found to have been very effective in achieving its aims. The Department will continue to support the graduates' scheme in the future and we will work with partners in the social care sector to ensure the future of the scheme is secured and to make it the best scheme possible within the resources available.

NHS: Standards

Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will place in the Library a copy of Best and Safest Care by Liam Donaldson, published by his Department in 2007.

Daniel Poulter: The report entitled 'Best and Safest Care' was an internal policy advice document written by the previous chief medical officer, Sir Liam Donaldson for the quality and patient safety national work stream of the NHS next stage review in 2008.
	The Department recognises the general public interest in making this information available for the sake of greater transparency and openness. However, the Department believes that the public interest lies in protecting the policy-making process and preserving the ability of officials in the Department to engage in free and candid discussion of policy options without apprehension that suggested courses of action may be held up to scrutiny before they have been fully developed or evaluated.

Smoking: Health Education

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Health with reference to the House of Lords debate of 4 December 2013, Official Report, column 279, on Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Bill - Committee, 6th Day, how much was spent on the television-led marketing campaign; what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the campaign; whether he has any plans to repeat the campaign; which agency was engaged to make the advertisements; and at what cost those advertisements were made.

Jane Ellison: Public Health England (PHE) spent £1.2 million on advertising for the Smokefree Homes and Cars campaign in summer 2013.
	This is PHE advertising spend only. Advertising spend is defined as covering only media spend (inclusive of agency commissions but excluding production costs and VAT). All figures are rounded to the nearest £10,000. Figures provided are provisional.
	PHE have evaluated the 2013 Smokefree Homes and Cars campaign through:
	pre and post campaign tracking research surveys with the target audience to measure awareness and attitude and behaviour changes; and
	analysis of other response data such as web traffic, orders of the Smokefree Kit, and online responses to the advertising and social media (e.g. Facebook) activity.
	Details of the results from the evaluation can be found at:
	http://resources.smokefree.nhs.uk/news/campaigns/smokefree-homes-cars-2013/
	The television advertising was developed by Dare. The production cost for the television, radio, online and press advertising when the campaign was developed in 2012 was £450,000.
	No decision has yet been taken about whether to repeat the campaign.

Vaccination: Immigrants

David Blunkett: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 9 December 2013, Official Report, columns 107-08W, on vaccination: immigrants, which group is responsible for the commissioning of the specific vaccination programmes recommended by the World Health Organisation and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence for newly-arrived migrants from areas with high prevalence of a particular disease; and who is responsible for commissioning hepatitis B vaccinations for newly arrived migrants from areas of high prevalence of this disease.

Daniel Poulter: NHS England’s area teams commission vaccination programmes recommended by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). JCVI’s advice takes into consideration recommendations from the World Health Organisation and guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.
	Specialist public health staff employed by Public Health England are embedded in these teams to provide accountability and leadership for the commissioning of the programmes and to provide system leadership. Clinical commissioning groups are responsible for assessing the local need for provision of outreach immunisation services which includes commissioning of hepatitis B vaccination for newly arrived migrants from areas of high prevalence who are not registered with a general practitioner (GP). Migrants who have registered with a GP are offered vaccines in line with national guidance on immunisation against infectious diseases.

Work Programme

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people his Department employed directly from the Work Programme in (a) 2011, (b) 2012 and (c) 2013 to date.

Daniel Poulter: The Department has not directly employed any civil servants from the Work programme in 2011, 2012, or to date in 2013.

ENVIRONMENT FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

Bovine Tuberculosis

Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  if he will review the methodology used by the Government for full base-line badger population analysis to ensure that inaccuracies caused by (a) weather, (b) disease and (c) any other factors are addressed;
	(2)  if he will bring forward proposals for more accurate badger population counts.

George Eustice: I would like to refer the hon. Member to the answer on 22 October 2013, Official Report, House of Lords, column WA148.
	When looking at lessons learned in the pilots, we will look at how the efficacy of culling could be best assessed in the future.

Bovine Tuberculosis

Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will publish the full costs of the extended pilot badger culls (a) in total and (b) for each badger culled to (i) the public purse and (ii) landowners.

George Eustice: As planned, costs will be reviewed now the pilots have concluded when all the information is available.

Bovine Tuberculosis

Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will review the membership of the Independent Expert Panel on the badger cull pilots to introduce additional scientific expertise; and if he will invite suggestions from independent organisations on the composition of that panel.

George Eustice: There are no plans to review the membership of the Independent Expert Panel. The members of the Independent Expert Panel were appointed for their expertise in animal welfare, veterinary pathology, badger ecology, wildlife population biology, statistics, marksmanship and the management of wild animal populations. Members of the panel are independent as they are appointed to fulfil the role of the panel, not as representatives of their particular profession, employer or interest group, and have a duty to act in the public interest.

Bovine Tuberculosis

Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will take steps to ensure that the remit of the Independent Expert Group on the badger cull pilot includes specific reference to monitoring humaneness, safety and effectiveness during (a) the original cull period and (b) the extended cull period.

George Eustice: The Independent Expert Panel will not be making specific recommendations about the controlled shooting. The Panel will be providing a robust scientific peer review of the analysis of the data gathered during the initial six-weeks of the pilot culls to support an assessment of the humaneness and efficacy of controlled shooting. This approach was agreed by the panel.

Bovine Tuberculosis

Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will publish immediately and in full (a) transcripts of all meetings of the Independent Expert Group on the badger cull pilot, (b) evidence presented to that group and (c) that group's report.

George Eustice: Minutes of meetings of the Independent Expert Panel can be found on the gov.uk website at:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/policy-advisory-groups/badger-culling-pilots-independent-expert-panel
	The Panel's report will be published in the new year after it has been submitted to Ministers, along with supporting evidence. The report will be made available to Parliament and the general public.

Bovine Tuberculosis

Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  if he will ensure that Parliament has an opportunity to debate the Independent Expert Panel's report on the pilot badger culls before his Department makes any decision to proceed with further culls;
	(2)  if he will make it his policy that decisions on any further badger culls will only be taken following a debate in the House on a substantive motion relating to such culls.

George Eustice: It will be for Parliament to decide through the usual channels whether or not to debate the report of the Independent Expert Panel.

Bovine Tuberculosis: South West

Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will support a badger vaccination trial in the South West of England in order to compare the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a vaccination programme with (a) the badger cull pilots and (b) gassing as a means of culling.

George Eustice: We are already providing financial support to a number of badger vaccination initiatives in the South West. We have no plans for a comparative trial of this kind.

Flood Control

Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the capital budget for flood defences was in each year since 2010-11; and what the projected budget for each of the next three years is.

Dan Rogerson: The capital budget allocated by DEFRA for flood and coastal risk management work in each year since 2010-11 was:
	
		
			  £ million 
			 2010-11 354 
			 2011-12 259 
			 2012-13 259 
			 2013-14 294 
		
	
	The projected capital budget for flood and coastal risk management work in each of the next three years is:
	
		
			  £ million 
			 2014-15 344 
			 2015-16 370 
			 2016-17 1380 
			 1 Indicative-exact figures have yet to be confirmed.

Food: Waste

Iain McKenzie: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps he is taking to discourage food waste.

Dan Rogerson: We are working with food manufacturers and retailers to reduce food waste under the Courtauld Commitment, which is targeting a further reduction of 1.1 million tonnes of food and packaging waste by 2015. We have also launched an agreement with the hospitality sector, which includes restaurants, pubs and canteens. We are helping households waste less and save money through the Waste and Resources Action Programme's Love Food Hate Waste campaign.

Livestock: Transport

Charlie Elphicke: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many lorries of live farm animals intended for further fattening or slaughter have been inspected by the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency at (a) the point of loading, (b) the Port of Dover and (c) at both loading and at the Port of Dover in each month since 1 May 2013; and if he will make a statement.

George Eustice: All inspections must be undertaken in compliance with Council Regulation 882/2004 which, among others, requires that inspections/checks are proportionate. Currently, all vehicles used to export animals for further fattening or for slaughter are subject to inspection by Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) inspectors at the premises of departure, with the exception of one vehicle that had to be inspected at the port in September (see following table). To re-inspect vehicles which have already been subject to inspection would not be proportionate. However, a proportion of these vehicles are selected for a check by AHVLA inspectors on arrival at Dover port to ensure that there are no overt signs of welfare problems or technical faults with the vehicle that may have occurred during the journey to the port. Up to 15 December 39 vehicles have been subject to checks at Dover port.
	The following table provides the data requested and broken down by month up to 15 December 2013:
	
		
			  (a) Inspections at point of loading (b) Inspections at port (c) Inspections at both loading and port 
			 May 2 0 0 
			 June 7 0 0 
			 July 10 0 0 
			 August 24 0 0 
			 September 20 1 0 
			 October 23 0 0 
			 November 15 0 0 
			 December 0 0 0

Livestock: Transport

Charlie Elphicke: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many lorries of live farm animals intended for further fattening or slaughter have left at the Port of Dover in each month since 1 May 2013; and if he will make a statement.

George Eustice: The following table provides the data requested and is broken down by month up to 15 December 2013:
	
		
			  Number of lorries 
			 May 2 
			 June 7 
			 July 10 
			 August 24 
			 September 19 
			 October 23 
			 November 15 
			 December 0

Livestock: Transport

Charlie Elphicke: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many statutory notices for breaches of welfare during transport legislation have been issued at the port of Dover against lorries of live farm animals intended for further fattening or slaughter in each month since 1 May 2013; and if he will make a statement.

George Eustice: The following table provides the data requested and is broken down by month up to 15 December 2013.
	
		
			  Statutory notices issued 
			 May 0 
			 June 0 
			 July 2 
			 August 0 
			 September 1 
			 October 0 
			 November 0 
			 December 0

Livestock: Transport

Charlie Elphicke: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many statutory notices for breaches of welfare during transport legislation have been issued at the point of loading for lorries of live farm animals intended for further fattening or slaughter in each month since 1 May 2013; and if he will make a statement.

George Eustice: The following table provides the data requested and is broken down by month up to 15 December 2013.
	
		
			  Statutory notices issued 
			 May 0 
			 June 3 
			 July 1 
			 August 0 
			 September 2 
			 October 1 
			 November 1 
			 December 0

ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE

Biofuels

Graham Stringer: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what steps he plans to take to implement sustainability criteria for solid biomass.

Gregory Barker: We are bringing in sustainability criteria for solid biomass (with the exception of wastes) to the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) and the Renewables Obligation (RO). These criteria include greenhouse gas (GHG) lifecycle emissions savings targets compared to fossil fuel use and land use criteria designed to protect land of high carbon or biodiversity value, and to ensure that woody biomass has been obtained from sustainability managed forests. These criteria will be introduced through secondary legislation, and will be subject to parliamentary approval.
	With regards to the RHI, we intend to introduce the mandatory GHG lifecycle emissions savings criteria from autumn 2014. Subject to the availability of parliamentary time, we intend to implement the land use sustainability criteria from April 2015.
	With regards to the RO, we intend to implement changes to the RO's current biomass sustainability criteria, which would apply from April 2014 initially on a reporting basis.
	The European Commission aims to publish an updated report on the requirements for sustainability criteria for solid biomass and biogas used for electricity, heat and cooling early next year.
	Following the publication of the EC report, the UK intends to notify its RO sustainability criteria to the EU under the Technical Standards Directive (TSD) with the intention that the sustainability criteria under the Renewables Obligation will become mandatory from April 2015. This would mean that electricity generators of one megawatt and above generating capacity will be required to demonstrate meeting the sustainability criteria in order to receive RO support on the electricity generated using solid biomass from this date.

Climate Change

Nigel Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what steps his Department is taking to promote education about energy and climate change among adults and children in the UK.

Gregory Barker: holding answer 18 December 2013
	DECC's 2050 pathways calculator helps to engage a range of audiences with energy and climate issues. This is a simple, user-friendly model of the UK's energy system, launched in 2010, which allows a wide variety of people to explore the full range of options to meet the UK's 2050 carbon reduction target and is based on rigorous scientific evidence. People can use this open-source tool to see the impact of a range of changes in the energy sector, and expert users can explore the full detail of the calculations.
	In order to make it easier for children and young people to use, DECC launched the My2050 educational online game in March 2011. This is a visual internet simulation that helps people imagine how the energy system may evolve and the secondary impact this may have. The tool is interactive, and encourages users to submit their preferred '2050 pathway'. Over 17,000 pathways have been submitted to date.
	Building on this, the My2050 schools toolkit was produced in the same year, supported by Involve, Think Global and Sciencewise-ERC. The toolkit is aimed at teachers, particularly those teaching geography, science, maths and citizenship for students aged between 11 and 16, and it is available at the following link:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/my2050-schools-toolkit
	In addition to this the Department is building on The British Energy Challenge 'town hall' events it hosted across eight major cities, including Manchester, Bristol and Newcastle, and at the Hay Festival from April to October 2012. The aim is to build a broad coalition of business, organisations and civil society in early 2014 to up the public's understanding of energy issues. This will include proactive youth engagement. The British Energy Challenge was delivered with support from over 70 organisations, local authorities and businesses including the National Grid, Siemens and the Met Office.

Coal

Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how many meetings (a) he and (b) officials in his Department have had with representatives of the coal industry in the last 12 months.

Michael Fallon: In the five months between the fire at UK Coal's Daw Mill colliery in February 2013 and the administration of the company in July 2013, Ministers met its representatives on a number of occasions. Ministers and officials also met with representatives of the TUC and coal mining unions several times to discuss the impact of the Daw Mill events and other issues affecting the coal industry. Regular meetings were held between officials and the company and its advisers throughout the period to identify ways forward to facilitate the ongoing viability of the core business.
	Representatives from the Department's Coal Liabilities Unit and Office of Carbon Capture Storage, who are responsible for coal liabilities/regulation and coal production/generation respectively, had a number of more general catch-up meetings with coal producers and their representatives throughout the year. Additional meetings were held by Ministers and a range of officials across the Department with a broad spectrum of industry representatives on the diverse issues impacting on the industry in the course of the year. This has included regular attendance at meetings of the Scottish Coal Industry Task Force established following the failure of Scottish opencast operators.
	Providing a full breakdown of all meetings would involve disproportionate cost.

Eggborough Power Station

Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what forecast his Department has made of the capacity of Eggborough Power Station in (a) 2014-15, (b) 2015-16, (c) 2016-17, (d) 2017-18 and (e) 2018-19.

Michael Fallon: DECC's projections for the electricity sector, such as those in the Updated Energy and Emissions Projections, published in September 2013, contain a breakdown of installed capacity by generation technology type but avoid identifying individual power stations due to commercial sensitivities:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/updated-energy-and-emissions-projections-2013

Energy

Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change with reference to section 3 of his Department's response to the Energy and Climate Change Select Committee's Report on Energy prices, profits and poverty, published on 10 October 2013, HC 717, what assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of segmental statements provided by the vertically integrated energy companies.

Michael Fallon: The requirement for vertically integrated energy companies to publish segmental statements outlining the revenues, costs and profits from their generation and supply businesses provides helpful information on their businesses in Great Britain. It provides a profit figure for each company's retail business which helps inform our understanding of the market and provide further information on the link between companies' generation and supply businesses.
	As there are, though, some limitations to their use we support the decision that Ofgem has taken to consult on further measures that should be required from the energy suppliers, beyond what is currently provided through the consolidated segmental statements. We have also asked Ofgem to deliver a full report on the transparency of financial accounts and ways this could be improved and will be working closely with them on this.

Energy

Eilidh Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the statement of 31 October 2013, OfficialReport, column 1095, on annual energy statement, when he will report to the House the outcome of his talks with E.ON, SSE and Scottish Power, Good Energy, Ovo and Co-operative Energy on expediting consumers' switching of energy supplier.

Gregory Barker: The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, the right hon. Member for Kingston and Surbiton (Mr Davey), held an initial meeting with suppliers and Energy UK on 11 November to explore what steps the industry can take to speed up switching.
	The Government is now working with industry, consumer groups and Ofgem to develop options for moving to faster switching. Once this work is complete, the Secretary of State will report to the House.

Energy: Billing

Eilidh Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change 
	(1)  what recent estimate he has made of the total value of surplus funds held by energy providers in respect of bills overpaid by consumers who have switched to an alternative energy provider;
	(2)  what progress he has made on expediting repayments of funds in respect of overpaid bills held by energy companies on the accounts of consumers who have switched to an alternative energy provider.

Michael Fallon: The Department has collected information, on a commercially confidential basis, from the major energy suppliers and some independent suppliers regarding the amount of credit held in both live accounts and closed accounts (those where the account holder has switched supplier, or has moved abroad or is deceased) and the processes in place to attempt the timely return of any surplus resulting from overpaid bills. Officials are in the process of analysing the information received.

Energy: Competition

Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change pursuant to his statement of 2 December 2013, Official Report, column 627, on energy bills, what the evidential basis is for the statement that the Government is increasing competition in the energy market.

Michael Fallon: Since 2010 eight new suppliers have entered the domestic gas and electricity supply markets. While in 2011 there were no independent suppliers with a customer base greater than 50,000, there now are three independent suppliers with over 100,000 customers. Last month Telecom Plus, with a customer base of around 770,000 customers, announced plans to operate as a licensed supplier from early next year.
	The Government has provided legislative backing to Ofgem's reforms to the domestic retail gas and electricity markets and the wholesale electricity market, which will enhance competition further. Ofgem's retail market reforms are introducing a simpler tariff framework and clearer information to help domestic consumers identify the best deal for them. In addition, Ofgem's proposed reforms to the wholesale electricity market will increase liquidity which will in turn improve competition in the retail electricity market. The Government is also working with the industry to speed up the change of supplier process.
	The annual competition test announced in the Annual Energy Statement will ensure that the market is kept under review and where barriers to competition are found the independent regulators are able to act decisively.

Energy: Conservation

Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the answer of 28 November 2013, Official Report,  column 390, on energy efficiency, how many insulation measures were installed in (a) 2010, (b) 2011, (c) 2012 and (d) 2013.

Gregory Barker: The following table shows the number of retro-fit installations of cavity wall, loft and solid wall insulation through Government schemes in 2010, 2011, 2012 and the first six months of 2013.
	
		
			 Table 1: Installations of cavity wall insulation, loft insulation and solid wall insulation through Government schemes in Great Britain between 1 January 2010 and 30 June 2013 
			  Cavity wall insulation Loft insulation Solid wall insulation 
			 2010 420,000 1,210,000 13,000 
			 2011 520,000 1,110,000 22,000 
			 2012 640,000 1,610,000 82,000 
			 2013 (January to June) 50,000 60,000 5,000 
			 Note: Figures for 2013 cover 1 January 2013 to 30 June 2013 only and do not include mitigation action delivered following the end of CERT and CESP.

Energy: Conservation

Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the answer of 28 November 2013, Official Report, column 390, on energy efficiency, how many insulation measures were installed through (a) Warm Front, (b) CERT, (c) CESP and (d) ECO.

Gregory Barker: The following table shows the number of retro-fit installations of cavity wall, loft and solid wall insulation through the following Government scheme: the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT), the Community Energy Savings Programme (CESP), Warm Front and the Energy Company Obligation (ECO).
	
		
			 Table 1: Installations of cavity wall insulation, loft insulation and solid wall insulation in Great Britain between 1 April 2008 and 30 June 2013 by Government scheme 
			  CERT CESP Warm Front ECO Total 
			 Cavity wall insulation 2,570,000 — 30,000 50,000 2,650,000 
			 Loft insulation 5,340,000 20,000 90,000 60,000 5,510,000 
			 Solid wall insulation 59,000 80,000 1— 2— 144,000 
			 1 Count less than 10,000. 2 Not applicable. 
		
	
	CERT ran from April 2008 to December 2012. CESP ran from October 2009 to December 2012. Figures for CERT and CESP do not include mitigation action delivered following the end of CERT and CESP. The Warm Front scheme began in 2000 and ended in January 2013, figures in this PQ cover delivery during the period April 2008 to January 2013. ECO covers the period January 2013 to end of June 2013, this scheme is due to run until March 2015.

Energy: Housing

Julie Elliott: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Health about the effects of cold homes on (a) individual health and (b) the NHS.

Gregory Barker: The evidence is clear that living in cold homes can have a range negative health impacts. We have been discussing these links with colleagues in the Department of Health, and Public Health England, at all levels (including ministerial) as we work towards the publication in 2014 of a fuel poverty target and strategy.
	In July 2013, DECC published a Framework for Future Action on fuel poverty. This set out the work we have undertaken, working with colleagues in the Department of Health, to develop a model demonstrating the health benefits of energy efficiency measures.

Energy: Housing

Julie Elliott: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Education about the effect of living in cold homes on the educational attainment of young people.

Gregory Barker: In our work on fuel poverty, DECC Ministers and officials have held discussions with a wide range of counterparts in other Departments, including, for example, the Child Poverty Unit.
	DECC commissioned an independent review of fuel poverty from Professor Sir John Hills at the London School of Economics. His interim review set out evidence that living in a cold home can have a negative impact on educational attainment. Action on fuel poverty helps to ensure more families are able to keep their homes warm affordably and thereby improves life chances for young people.

Energy: Prices

Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what estimate his Department has made of the average annual expenditure on energy for off-grid gas households.

Michael Fallon: Analysis from the Living Costs and Foods Survey shows that in 2011, the latest year for which data are available, the average weekly spend on fuel was £24.60 for households with no gas central heating. This equates to an annual average spend of around £1,279.20.

Energy: Prices

Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change pursuant to his statement of 2 December 2013, Official Report, column 627, on energy bills, what the evidential basis is for the statement that (a) rising wholesale energy costs and (b) investment in energy infrastructure are the main driver of energy price rises.

Michael Fallon: Wholesales energy costs (excluding carbon costs) and network costs are the two largest components of energy bills, estimated to be 47% and 20% respectively in DECC's March 2013 report "Estimated impacts of energy and climate change policies on energy prices and bills":
	https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/172923/130326_-_Price_and_Bill_Impacts_Report_Final.pdf
	Over the 12 months before delivery, the gas Winter 2013 contract was 4% higher on average than the gas Winter 2012 contract, and the electricity Winter 2013 contract was 7% higher than the Winter 2012 contract. However, it should be noted that energy suppliers buy energy over a number of different contracts gradually over time and each company's strategy for doing this is different. Suppliers' hedging strategies are commercially sensitive.
	Investment in GB's electricity networks is needed to replace ageing assets and to accommodate the changing nature of generation. This vital investment to “keep the lights on” forms the majority of the network charge element on electricity bills. Evidence for this comes from the regulatory price controls set by Ofgem, which provide funding for electricity network company activities.

Energy: Prices

Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change pursuant to his statement of 2 December 2013, Official Report, column 627, on energy bills, what measures he has taken to force the energy companies to (a) open up their books and (b) justify price rises to customers.

Michael Fallon: We have asked the independent regulator to deliver a full report on the transparency of financial accounts of the largest energy companies and for ways to improve how the information is communicated to build trust in the industry. The justification of price rises is a matter for the energy companies themselves.

Energy: Prices

Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change pursuant to his statement of 2 December 2013, Official Report, column 627, on energy bills, what assessment his Department has made of the effect of Ofgem's retail market review on consumer engagement in the energy market.

Michael Fallon: Ofgem's reforms under the Retail Market Review are creating a simpler, clearer and fairer energy market for consumers.
	Since the end of August 2013, all suppliers have had to meet new standards of conduct set by Ofgem as part of the package of measures being introduced by the Retail Market Review. These require suppliers to treat all consumers fairly and in an honest, transparent and professional manner. They must also make sure that any information given to consumers is clear and easy to understand.
	Ofgem's rules for fixed term tariffs were introduced in October. These rules ban suppliers from increasing prices on fixed-term tariffs. Suppliers are also banned from automatically rolling householders on to another fixed-term offer when their current one ends.
	From 31 December 2013, Ofgem is banning suppliers from offering complex multi-tier tariffs, and limiting the number of tariffs suppliers may offer. Suppliers have taken steps to be compliant with these rules in advance of them coming into force.
	The full package of measures being introduced by Ofgem will be in place by July 2014.

Energy: Prices

Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change pursuant to his statement of 2 December 2013, Official Report, column 627, on energy bills, what the evidential basis is for the statement that Ofgem's reforms for competition in the retail market are making it easier for consumers to (a) understand their bills, (b) work out where they can get the best deal and (c) switch providers.

Michael Fallon: Since the end of August 2013, all suppliers have had to meet new standards of conduct set by Ofgem as part of the package of measures being introduced by Retail Market Review. These require suppliers to treat all consumers fairly and in an honest, transparent and professional manner. They must also make sure that any information given to consumers is clear and easy to understand.
	Ofgem's rules for fixed term tariffs were introduced in October, These rules ban suppliers from increasing prices on fixed-term tariffs. Suppliers are also banned from automatically rolling householders on to another fixed-term offer when their current one ends.
	From 31 December 2013, Ofgem is banning suppliers from offering complex multi-tier tariffs, and limiting the number of tariffs suppliers may offer. Suppliers have taken steps to be compliant with these rules in advance of them coming into force.
	Taken together these changes will help consumers to understand their bills, work out where they can get the best deal and then switch accordingly.

Energy: Prices

Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the statement of 2 December 2013, Official Report, column 629, on energy bills, what discussions he has had with (a) British Gas, (b) RWE Npower, (c) Scottish Power and (d) SSE on the effect of the changes to green levies on household energy bills.

Michael Fallon: Government officials have held discussions, on behalf of the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, the right hon. Member for Kingston and Surbiton (Mr Davey), with all energy companies obligated under the Energy Company Obligation regarding the effect the changes to ECO would have on the administrative costs of delivering that obligation.

Energy: Profits

Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change with reference to section 3 of his Department's response to the Energy and Climate Change Select Committee's Report on Energy prices, profits and poverty, published on 10 October 2013, HC 717, if he will make it his policy to require energy companies to disclose their trading profits in their segmental statements.

Michael Fallon: The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, the right hon. Member for Kingston and Surbiton (Mr Davey), has asked Ofgem to deliver, by spring 2014, a full report on the transparency of financial accounts of the energy companies and ways this could be improved. As part of its consultation process Ofgem is looking at appropriate ways for companies to report their trading activities.

Green Deal Scheme

Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the answer of 28 November 2013, Official Report, column 392, on energy efficiency, what the evidential basis is for the statement that over 100,000 Green Deal measures are to be installed in people's homes.

Gregory Barker: My comments related to the number of people we know have decided to take action and have a Green Deal assessment—over 100,000 by the end of October, with nearly 17,000 happening in October alone. The Department's research shows that over 80% of those who had assessments then went on to either install energy efficiency measures, were in the process of having them installed or intended to install in the future. But the actual number of measures installed under the Energy Company Obligation, Green Deal and other financing options is much higher than these figures suggest—over 310,000 measures by the end of September.

Housing: Insulation

Jonathan Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change whether the minimum number of solid wall installations to be delivered under the Carbon Emissions Reduction Obligation element of the Energy Companies Obligation refers to a minimum number of solid wall insulations to be installed or a hypothetical carbon reduction equivalent.

Gregory Barker: We propose to consult in early 2014 on setting the target for the delivery of a minimum level of solid wall installation, across all elements of the Energy Company Obligation (ECO), as either a carbon target or as a minimum number of properties to be treated. This will form part of a wider consultation on the future of the scheme.

Insulation

Jonathan Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how many solid wall installations he expects to be completed in financial years (a) 2013-14, (b) 2014-15, (c) 2015-16 and (d) 2016-17.

Gregory Barker: DECC does not make projections for the number of solid wall insulation (SWI) measures installed by the insulation industry. However, we recently announced that in the first quarter of 2014 we will consult on a requirement for energy suppliers to deliver a minimum of 100,000 SWI measures (or a specific volume of CO2 equivalent to that number of SWI installations) under the Energy Company Obligation between January 2013 and March 2017. Energy suppliers would have flexibility about how they deliver this target—there would not be annual sub targets.

Natural Gas: Prices

Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change pursuant to his answer of 28 November 2013, Official Report, column 394, on energy costs, what the evidential basis for the statement is that there has been a huge increase in wholesale gas prices.

Michael Fallon: DECC's March 2013 report “Estimated impacts of energy and climate change policies on energy prices and bills”1, shows that wholesale gas prices increased by over 35% in real terms between 2010 and 2012. This is a substantial rise, especially when the impact on household energy bills is considered.
	The report finds that average household energy (gas and electricity) bills are estimated to have increased by around 13% in real terms between 2010 and 2012, with around 60% of this increase due to increases in wholesale energy costs.
	1https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/172923/130326_-_Price_and_Bill_Impacts_ Report_Final.pdf, p.20

Renewable Energy

Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change 
	(1)  with reference to paragraph 38 of update 3: contract award process, final investment decision enabling for renewables, for what reason he has introduced technology-based rules to the selection process when allocating investment contracts;
	(2)  with reference to paragraph 38 of update 3: contract award process, final investment decision enabling for renewables, published by his Department on 4 December 2013, what representations he has received on the introduction of technology based rules to the selection process when allocating investment contracts.

Michael Fallon: Investment contracts represent a financial commitment under the Levy Control Framework. As part of its management of the Levy Control Framework settlement, DECC has set a limit on the amount of funding in each year of the Levy Control Framework settlement period from 2015-16 to 2020-21 that can be committed to FID Enabling for renewables projects under the current FID Enabling for renewables process. Given these affordability constraints, a technology based approach ensures a broad coverage of technologies that will contribute to delivery of the 2020 renewables target and security of supply objectives.
	This is consistent with statements made in Update 1: Invitation to Participate (paragraph 47, page 11) and Update 2: Investment Contract Allocation (paragraphs 18-page 8 and 51-page 15)).
	Link to Update 1:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/141873/FIDeR_update_doc_Invitation_ to_Participate_2013_-_03_-_14_FINAL.pdf
	Link to Update 2:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/209367/2013_-_06_-_27_FIDe_Update_2_ Master_Draft__2_.pdf

Renewable Energy

Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change with reference to update 3: contract award process, final investment decision enabling for renewables, published by his Department on 4 December 2013, how many of the applications for final investment decision enabling contracts for renewables phase 2 have engineering and construction contracts in place.

Michael Fallon: As stated in Update 1 (paragraph 8, page 4) "The principal objective of FID Enabling for Renewables is to enable developers of renewable energy projects to take final investment decisions, or other critical investment decisions directly impacting on the time to commissioning the project, which would otherwise be delayed by the uncertainty caused by the transition to the enduring CFD regime." These decisions will include decisions to enter into key contracts relevant to developers' projects.
	Accordingly, one of the relevant criteria against which applicants for Phase 2 were assessed related to "procurement plans" (see Update 2 (Annex C, pages 36-37), Level 3 Criterion 1.1.4) rather than having such engineering and construction contracts in place.
	Link to Update 1:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/141873/FIDeR_update_doc_Invitation_ to_Participate_2013_-_03_-_14_FINAL.pdf
	Link to Update 2:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/209367/2013_-_06_-_27_FIDe_Update_2_ Master_Draft__2_.pdf

Renewable Energy

Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change with reference to update 3: contract award process, final investment decision enabling for renewables, published by his Department on 4 December 2013, how many of the applications for final investment decision enabling contracts for renewables phase 2 are expected to come online in (a) 2015, (b) 2016, (c) 2017, (d) 2018, (e) 2019 and (f) 2020 or later.

Michael Fallon: The number of projects that have applied through the Final Investment Decision (FID) Enabling for Renewables process that come on line in any given year will depend on which of them are awarded investment contracts. This will in turn depend on which of them make binding applications (expected in March 2014 at the earliest), DECC's assessment of those applications against the FID Enabling for Renewables Levy Control Framework affordability envelope, and down-selection through the application of a technology based approach (if required).

Renewable Energy

Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change with reference to Final investment decision enabling for renewables, update 3: contract award process, published by his Department on 4 December 2013, how many of the applications for final investment decision enabling contracts for renewables phase 2 have received planning consent.

Michael Fallon: The planning and consents requirements for qualification under Phase 2 of the FID Enabling for Renewables process varied between technologies as set out in Level 3 Criterion 1.1.3 in Update 2, published in June 2013. Not all projects were required to have achieved planning or development consent. Assessed against Level 3 Criterion 1.1.3, 23 projects met the minimum threshold standard for land availability, planning consents, grid connection and radar/aviation arrangements (as applicable).
	Link to Update 2:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/209367/2013_-_06_-_27_FIDe_Update_ 2_Master_Draft__2_.pdf

Renewable Energy: Heating

Graham Stringer: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change with reference to the Fourth Carbon Budget Review by the Committee on Climate Change, published in December 2013, if he will reduce the renewable heat incentive scheme payments for air source heat pumps in the light of evidence presented on the performance and durability of heat pumps on page 43 of that report.

Gregory Barker: One of the primary purposes of the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) is to address our ambition to meet our 2020 renewable energy targets. Support under the RHI is, therefore, designed to incentivise the level of air-source heat pump (ASHP) deployment that we believe is necessary to contribute to that target. It will not be reduced unless deployment exceeds certain pre-set limits, when our budget management system will automatically and transparently reset those tariffs. The approach we are taking to budget management was set out in the supplementary policy document that was published on 4 December:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/renewable-heat-incentive-proposals-for-a-domestic-scheme
	We are, of course, conscious of the performance and durability of the products we incentivise; and we have designed the RHI to reward those systems which have higher design efficiencies. We are offering a limited amount of metering and monitoring service packages within the domestic RHI to support consumers with these new technologies. We are also working with industry to ensure that consumer protection is at the centre of the offers they make to consumers.

Wind Power: Bournemouth

Tobias Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what discussions he has had with UNESCO on the effect of a new offshore windfarm near Bournemouth.

Gregory Barker: I have held no discussions with UNESCO on the effect of a proposed offshore wind farm near Bournemouth. Any potential impacts will be assessed through the planning process once an application for consent is received.

Wind Power: Planning Permission

Julie Elliott: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government about delays to planning permission for onshore and offshore wind farms.

Gregory Barker: I have not had any discussions with the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, my right hon. Friend the Member for Brentwood and Ongar (Mr Pickles), on this issue.

Wind Power: Planning Permission

Julie Elliott: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what the average length of time from the original application for onshore and offshore wind farms to those wind farms coming online was in (a) 2009, (b) 2010, (c) 2011 and (d) 2012.

Gregory Barker: As of 17 December 2013, the Renewable Energy Planning Database (REPD)
	https://restats.decc.gov.uk/app/reporting/decc/monthlyextract
	showed that for wind farms that became fully operational in the years 2009 to 2012, the average period of time (in weeks) from their planning application being submitted was:
	
		
			  2009 2010 2011 2012 
			 Onshore wind 144 130 179 182 
			 Offshore wind 318 332 270 338 
		
	
	This includes the time for the project to receive planning consent, prepare for construction and be constructed. It should be noted that larger wind farms take longer to construct.

TRANSPORT

Public Service Obligation Funding

Stephen Gilbert: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of current public service obligation funding arrangements.

Robert Goodwill: Public service obligations (PSOs) allow for the protection of scheduled air service on routes which are vital for the economic development of the region they serve and are governed by European legislation.
	PSOs are governed by European legislation. To support their use the Chief Secretary to the Treasury announced as part of the June 2013 spending round funding of £20 million to support PSOs to London where there is a risk that connectivity may be lost.
	I am today publishing guidance to clarify how the Government will interpret this legislation to allow devolved and regional bodies to access this fund.

Cycle Safety

Meg Hillier: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to improve cycle safety.

Robert Goodwill: We must continue to improve the safety of cyclists which—despite recent negative publicity—has improved markedly over the last decade.
	Spending on cycling has doubled in comparison to when her party was in power which will allow further progress to be made.

Cycle Safety

Mark Lazarowicz: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to improve cycle safety.

Robert Goodwill: We must continue to improve the safety of cyclists which—despite recent negative publicity—has improved markedly over the last decade.
	Spending on cycling has doubled in comparison to when his party was in power which will allow further progress to be made.

Pedestrian Safety

Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to improve safety for pedestrians.

Robert Goodwill: The Government has already taken a range of steps to improve pedestrian safety, including making it easier for local authorities to implement 20 mile per hour zones and launching a new THINK! resource centre to help teachers educate children and teens on road safety.
	We will continue to work with delivery partners, including local authorities, to identify further opportunities for improving pedestrian safety.

Railway Infrastructure

Henry Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent assessment he has made of Network Rail’s performance in maintaining and upgrading railway infrastructure.

Stephen Hammond: Network Rail has achieved a great deal in recent years. But the Office of Rail Regulation’s latest report on Network Rail’s performance shows a clear link between under-performance on maintaining infrastructure and the recent level of delays and cancellations experienced by passengers. I am pleased that, from April 2014, ORR has set new regulatory targets for Network Rail. These focus on how Network Rail manages, maintains and renews the network. This will not change following the ONS’s recent decision.

A628

Angela Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport on how many occasions in (a) 2010-11, (b) 2011-12 and (c) 2012-13 the A628 between Flouch and Mottram was closed to traffic because of (i) road accidents and (ii) weather conditions.

Robert Goodwill: In 2011, there were eight closures on the A628 between Flouch and Mottram; four were due to Road Traffic Collisions (RTC's), four due to weather. Of the four RTC's, two resulted in full carriageway closures, two were one direction only.
	In 2012, there were 14 closures, eight due to RTC's, six due to weather. Of the eight RTC's, five were full closures, three were one direction only.
	In 2013, there were 12 closures, eight due to RTC's, four due to weather. Of the eight RTC's, six were full closures, two were in one direction only.

Bus Services: North East

Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent discussions he has had with Arriva about bus services on Teesside and in East Cleveland.

Stephen Hammond: There have been no recent discussions with Arriva about bus services on Teesside or East Cleveland. However, Ministers and officials are in regular contact with bus sector stakeholders, such as local authorities and the Confederation of Passenger Transport, the bus industry trade body, about developments in the bus market. My noble Friend, the Minister of State for Transport, Baroness Kramer, will also chair the next meeting of the Bus Partnership Forum in January—bringing together all those with an interest in the provision of bus services.

Driving Under Influence: Drugs

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he plans to publish the outcome of his Department's consultation on Regulations about the new offence of driving with a controlled drug in the body above a specified limit; and when he plans to consult on the proposed such limit for amphetamines.

Robert Goodwill: The Department published the consultation on a proposed limit for amphetamine on 19 December 2013, which will close on 30 January 2014. We will then consider the responses to our proposed limit and include them in our consideration of the earlier consultation and publish a joint summary and conclusion shortly afterwards.

Electric Vehicles

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport with reference to the commitment on page 10 of the National Infrastructure Plan to invest £5 million during 2014-15 in a large-scale electric vehicle readiness programme for public sector fleets, what that programme will include; how many public sector contracts will be awarded under this investment; and when the procurement procedure for this process will start.

Robert Goodwill: We are working up the details of the initiative with the relevant Government Departments and have a launch date of April 2014. We anticipate that we will make a package available to fleets which will include a review, vehicle leases and infrastructure. The scheme will be for central Government Departments in the first instance before being rolled out to the wider public sector.

First Great Western

Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of First Great Western's recent performance and their capacity to manage passenger demand to Plymouth and the South West over the Christmas and new year period.

Stephen Hammond: First Great Western's performance, measured against the benchmarks of delay minutes and cancellations contracted in the Franchise Agreement, is within stipulated targets. Overall performance, including Network Rail and other operators, is measured periodically (every four weeks) against Public Performance Measures (PPM) and Joint Performance Improvement Plan (JPIP) targets and is available on the Office of Rail Regulation website.
	First Great Western (FGW) are responsible for ensuring they optimise the use of their rolling stock fleet and capacity, especially at busy holiday periods. The Department for Transport does not involve itself in these decisions, save to ensure that FGW remains compliant with its franchise obligations.

Fuels

Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what his policy is on mandatory fuel charging.

Jo Swinson: I have been asked to reply 
	on behalf of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
	I understand this question refers to vehicle rental. Charges for fuel by vehicle rental firms and the conditions under which they charge are commercial matters for the vehicle rental industry. In advertising and presenting its services a vehicle rental firm must be clear about the total price for the consumer, including any non-optional charges covered by the contract. Failure to provide adequate and accurate information about price is likely to be an offence under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. The Regulations outlaw misleading commercial practices, including practices which are misleading by omitting important information.

Highways Agency

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport why policy option two, institutional reform without legislation, set out in the roads reform impact assessment was not considered in the consultation on transforming the Highways Agency.

Robert Goodwill: The impact assessment prepared and published alongside the Government's roads reform consultation clearly demonstrated that the policy option of institutional reform with legislation would deliver significantly higher benefits than without legislation, and includes discussion of the matters which we considered in reaching that assessment.
	Legislation is critical to securing reforms, with genuine long-term funding certainty for strategic roads, allowing the new company to plan ahead and deliver efficiency savings of at least £2.6 billion over 10 years. This degree of certainty is also needed to give the supply chain sufficient confidence to invest in equipment and skills and begin building up for a much larger roads programme that will boost jobs and provide a stronger future for the construction industry in the UK.

Large Goods Vehicles

Natascha Engel: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to tackle delays by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency to process type approval testing for HGV trailers.

Robert Goodwill: The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) (formally VOSA) has been working with its customers to introduce a number of improvements to allow quicker times for applications and tests, including standardised and simplified processes, redesigned user-friendly applications forms, quicker payment options with payment confirmation via email.
	Additional DVSA individual vehicle approval (IVA) testing sites are now available, with extra IVA examiners being trained to meet local demand. The number of privately owned test facilities has increased and out of hours testing is now available where required to meet customer demand. We are working with stakeholders to better understand future capacity with further DVSA IVA sites being considered where appropriate.

M62

Angela Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport on how many occasions the M62 between Leeds and Manchester was closed to traffic due to (a) road accidents and (b) inclement weather conditions in each of the last three years.

Robert Goodwill: In 2011, there were 35 closures on the M62 motorway between Leeds and Manchester. All 35 were due to Road Traffic Collisions (RTC's). Of these, three were full closures, 32 were in one direction only.
	In 2012, there were 40 closures, 39 due to RTC's and one due to the weather. Of the 39 RTC's, five of these required full closures, 34 were one direction only.
	In 2013, there have been 16 closures to date, all due to RTC's. Two have required full closures, the other 14 were one direction only.

Network Rail

Rehman Chishti: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent assessment he has made of Network Rail’s performance in maintaining and upgrading railway infrastructure.

Stephen Hammond: Network Rail has achieved a great deal in recent years. But the Office of Rail Regulation’s latest report on Network Rail’s performance shows a clear link between underperformance on maintaining infrastructure and the recent level of delays and cancellations experienced by passengers. I am pleased that, from April 2014, ORR has set new regulatory targets for Network Rail. These focus on how Network Rail manages, maintains and renews the network. This will not change following the ONS’s recent decision.

Pedestrian Crossings

Peter Bottomley: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport 
	(1)  if he will estimate the number of pelican crossings, puffin crossings and countdown crossings in operation on national and on local authority roads;
	(2)  what assessment he has made of the circumstances in which a pelican crossing can have a superior safety record to that of a puffin crossing;
	(3)  with reference to the puffin pedestrian crossing accident study published by TRL in March 2011, for what reasons his Department permits local authorities to install new pelican crossings;
	(4)  whether his Department needs to commission further research before mandating that local highway authorities discontinue installation or renewal of pelican crossings;
	(5)  if he will issue guidance to local highway authorities on the dangers of pelican crossings on roads with multi-lane approaches.

Robert Goodwill: The Department for Transport does not hold information on number of pelican, puffin and countdown crossings installed by local authorities.
	The Highways Agency is responsible for maintaining the strategic road network in association with its service providers. There are approximately 400 pelican crossings and 200 crossings of other types on that network.
	Decisions on what type of crossing to provide are for local traffic authorities, taking into account local factors such as road layout, traffic speed and volume, and pedestrian flow. Many factors contribute to the safety record of a crossing and for this reason it is not possible to provide a definitive assessment of crossing types in terms of safety.
	However, research commissioned by the DFT showed that pelican crossings converted to puffin crossings showed an average reduction in accidents of 17%. The report is available to download at:
	www.trl.co.uk/online_store/reports_publications/trl_reports/cat_traffic_engineering/report_puffin_pedestrian_ crossing_accident_study.htm
	The Department has no plans to commission further research on pedestrian crossings.
	The Department gives advice on assessing and designing pedestrian crossings in two local transport notes (LTNs), LTN 1/95: The Assessment of Pedestrian Crossings and LTN 2/95: The Design of Pedestrian Crossings, available at:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/local-transport-notes
	In 2004, the Department also published the Puffin Good Practice Guide, giving detailed advice on the design and installation of puffin crossings. This is available to download at:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/policies/managing-improving-and-investing-in-the-road-network/supporting-pages/traffic-signs
	Many authorities already choose to install puffin crossings as their default crossing type both at junctions and stand-alone. The Department expects this trend to continue.

Railway Signals: Wales

Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport with reference to the recent announcement by the Office of Rail Regulation of investment in the North Wales coast mainline, what the timetable is for the signalling improvements to the line.

Stephen Hammond: The Office of Rail Regulation published their final determination of Network Rail's output and funding for control period 5 (2014 to 2019) in October 2013. In their final determination they increased the assumed expenditure in three key areas compared to the draft determination, with rises of £104 million for track renewals, £21 million for signalling renewals and £66 million for information and asset management.
	The Welsh Government is leading on the determination on outputs for Wales in control period 6.

Railways: Finance

Diane Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what total track access charges paid to Network Rail by each train operating company in each year between 2001-02 and 2012-13 were.

Stephen Hammond: Track Access Charges paid by Train Operating companies to Network Rail is governed by bi-lateral agreements between Network Rail and the operating companies. The Department for Transport is not party to this agreement.
	Further information can be found on Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) website in the annual National Rail Trends Magazine, Link as follows:
	http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/server/show/nav.1528

Railways: Finance

Diane Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what (a) Network Grant and (b) revenue support payments received by each train operating company in each year between 2001-02 and 2012-13 were.

Stephen Hammond: The Department for Transport does not pay network grant to each Train Operating Company. Network Grant is paid to Network Rail.
	Further information can be found on Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) website in the annual National Rail Trends Magazine, Link as follows:
	http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/server/show/nav.1528
	Train Operating Companies (TOCs) let from 2006 under a Template Franchise Agreement (TfA) were let with entitlement to claim Revenue Support after an initial period from commencement. Table following show all TOCs in Revenue Support or that have claimed Revenue Support in the past.
	
		
			 £ million 
			  Revenue Support paid (2008-09 to 2012-13) 
			 Train operating company 2012-13 2011-12 2010-11 2009-10 2008-09 
			 Cross Country Trains Limited (AXC) 81.9 18.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 
			 East Midlands Trains Limited (EMT) 124.7 25.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 
			 First Capital Connect Limited (FCC) 39.5 32.1 26.3 43.8 0.0 
			 First Greater Western Limited (FGW) 266.3 209.4 139.2 131.9 47.0 
			 London and Birmingham Railway Limited (London Midland) 0.0 0.0 0.0 (2.0) 0.0 
			 Abellio Greater Anglia (AGA) (previously National Express East Anglia) 16.5 38.1 34.1 34.5 18.2 
			 Stagecoach South Western Trains Limited (SSWT) 127.0 85.4 69.0 0.0 (1.5) 
			 London and South Eastern Railway Limited (LSER) 60.2 48.9 16.8 0.0 0.0 
			 New Southern Railway Limited (Southern) 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
			 West Coast Trains Limited (VWC) 28.6 44.0 31.9 75.0 0.0 
			 Note: Positive numbers are Revenue Support payments to TOCs while negative numbers are Receipts to DFT.

Railways: Franchises

Diane Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the total premium payments from the current operators of the (a) West Coast, (b) Great Western, (c) Southern, (d) Thameslink, (e) South Eastern, (f) South West, (g) Northern, (h) East Coast, (i) Transpennine, (j) Greater Anglia, (k) East Midlands, (l) London Midland, (m) Cross Country, (n) Essex Thameside and (o) Chiltern rail passenger franchise are to date.

Stephen Hammond: Premium payment figures are published by the Office of Rail Regulation and can be seen at
	http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/server/show/nav.3016

Railways: Franchises

Diane Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the total (a) Network Grant and (b) revenue support received by the current operator of the (i) West Coast, (ii) Great Western, (iii) Southern, (iv) Thameslink, (v) South Eastern, (vi) South West, (vii) Northern, (viii) East Coast, (ix) Transpennine, (x) Greater Anglia, (xi) East Midlands, (xii) London Midland, (xiii) Cross Country, (xiv) Essex Thameside and (xv) Chiltern rail passenger franchise are to date.

Stephen Hammond: Network Grant is paid to Network Rail rather than Train Operating Companies.
	Revenue support figures are published by the Office of Rail Regulation and can be seen at:
	http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/server/show/nav.3016

Railways: Greater London

Diane Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he plans to devolve further rail services to Transport for London; and if he will make a statement.

Stephen Hammond: In June 2013, the Government agreed in principle to devolve Greater Anglia (West Anglia) services from Chingford to Liverpool Street, Enfield Town to Liverpool Street and Cheshunt to Liverpool Street (via Southbury) to Transport for London (TfL). This change is currently scheduled to take place in summer 2015. There are no firm plans at the present time to devolve further rail services to the Mayor and TfL, but we are reviewing with TfL the future operation of Ealing to Greenford and Romford to Upminster services and how these can be best managed.

Vehicle and Operator Services Agency

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many vehicles were weighed by the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency in (a) 2010, (b) 2011, (c) 2012 and (d) 2013 to date.

Stephen Hammond: The numbers of vehicles weighed by the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency in (a) 2010, (b) 2011, (c) 2012 and (d) 2013 to date, are given in the following table.
	
		
			  Weighed 
			 2010 9,037 
			 2011 8,734 
			 2012 8,100 
			 2013 (ytd) 7,493 
		
	
	Weightings by calendar year 2010-13 (for 2013 January to November).

Vehicle and Operator Services Agency

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many vehicle maintenance investigations the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency carried out in (a) 2010, (b) 2011, (c) 2012 and (d) 2013 to date; and what proportion were unsatisfactory in each year.

Stephen Hammond: The numbers of vehicle maintenance investigations carried out by the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency in (a) 2010, (b) 2011, (c) 2012 and (d) 2013 to date, and the proportion that were unsatisfactory in each year are given in the following table.
	
		
			  2010 2011 2012 2013 (ytd) 
			 HGV     
		
	
	
		
			 Investigations 5,358 2,564 2,799 2,515 
			 Unsatisfactory (percentage) 58.1 70.7 76.6 79.8 
			      
			 PSV     
			 Investigations 995 578 456 538 
			 Unsatisfactory (percentage) 56.9 58.7 62.5 72.3

Vehicle and Operator Services Agency

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many convictions were referred to the Traffic Commissioners by the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency in (a) 2010, (b) 2011, (c) 2012 and (d) 2013 to date.

Stephen Hammond: The information is not held in the form requested and can only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

Work Programme

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many people his Department employed directly from the Work programme in (a) 2011, (b) 2012 and (c) 2013 to date.

Stephen Hammond: The Department and its agencies employed the following number from the Work programme:
	
		
			  Number 
			 2011 0 
			 2012 6 
			 2013 <5

WORK AND PENSIONS

Employment and Support Allowance

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 18 November 2013, Official Report, column 669W, on employment and support allowance, with what medical conditions those people transferred from incapacity benefit to an employment and support allowance work-related activity group without being seen by an assessor have been diagnosed; and how many such people have been diagnosed with each such condition.

Michael Penning: The information requested is shown in the following table.
	
		
			 Incapacity benefits reassessments—Outcomes for paper-based assessments, Great Britain (IB claimants referred for reassessment between September 2011 and November 2012) by main diagnosis group 
			  WRAG outcomes by month of referral for reassessment 
			  2011 2012 
			 Diagnosis group September October November December January February March April 
			 All 9,700 10,000 10,400 10,200 9,100 8,400 8,800 9,100 
			 Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue 1,300 1,500 1,500 1,500 1,400 1.300 1,300 1,500 
			 Diseases of the nervous system 700 700 700 600 600 600 600 600 
			 Diseases of the respiratory and circulatory system 500 500 500 500 500 400 400 500 
		
	
	
		
			 Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 
			 Mental and behavioural disorders 5,200 5,300 5,600 5,500 4,800 4,400 4,600 4,600 
			 Other 1,900 1,900 1,900 1,900 1,700 1,600 1,700 1,900 
		
	
	
		
			  WRAG outcomes by month of referral for reassessment 
			  2012 
			 Diagnosis group May June July August September October November 
			 All 9,900 9,100 10,600 10,100 9,200 10,500 10,300 
			 Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue 1,800 1,700 2,200 1,800 1,700 2,000 2,000 
			 Diseases of the nervous system 700 600 800 700 700 900 800 
			 Diseases of the respiratory and circulatory system 500 500 600 600 500 700 600 
			 Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 
			 Mental and behavioural disorders 4,800 4,300 4,600 4,800 4,200 4,600 4,500 
			 Other 2,000 1,800 2,300 2,100 1,900 2,200 2,200 
			 Notes: 1. All figures are rounded to the nearest 100. Hence totals may not sum exactly. 2. A small number of cases where the data is inconsistent with the policy have been excluded from this table. 3. When someone claiming incapacity benefits is reassessed for ESA, they will only have to undergo a face-to-face work capability assessment (WCA) if there is insufficient evidence for a paper-based WCA to be carried out. 4. IB ICD (disease) code ICD (disease) code causes of incapacity are based on the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, published by the World Health Organisation. Medical condition is based on evidence provided at the start of the claim; this in itself does not confer entitlement to ESA and may not represent a claimant's most recent medical condition. Source: The figures are derived from administrative data held by the Department for Work and Pensions and assessment data provided by Atos Healthcare.

Employment and Support Allowance: Yorkshire and the Humber

Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people on employment and support allowance in (a) York Central constituency, (b) York local authority and (c) Yorkshire and the Humber were (i) moved from the support group to the work-related group, (ii) appealed this decision and (iii) were subsequently moved back to the support group in October 2012 and each month since then.

Esther McVey: The information requested is not readily available and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost.

Employment Schemes: Disability

Paul Maynard: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps he is taking to reduce the paperwork requirements for verifying job outcomes in Work Choice.

Esther McVey: We are confident that the validation of Work Choice is set at an appropriate level and there are no plans to change the process which is designed to protect the taxpayer. The Department does of course always keep such processes under review and it is possible it will develop in the future.

Employment Schemes: Disability

Paul Maynard: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how it is possible to transfer between Work Choice and the Work programme.

Esther McVey: Work Choice participants are not eligible for the Work programme on either a mandatory or voluntary basis.

Employment: Swindon

Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people have exited the benefits system and entered employment in Swindon in each of the last five years.

Esther McVey: The information requested is not readily available, and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost.

Food Banks

John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will publish the guidance given to Jobcentre Plus staff on the provision of information on local food banks to claimants of benefits.

Esther McVey: Since 2011, Jobcentre Plus has signposted claimants in crisis to local food banks when there was no other support available. This is only when we have checked there was no other support available and we continue to signpost in these circumstances. The decision on providing assistance lies with the food bank and not with Jobcentre Plus.

Jobcentre Plus

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 2 December 2013, Official Report, column 517W, on Jobcentre Plus, what estimate he has made of the number of separate claims that did not relate to new claims processed by Jobcentre Plus centres using the 0845 number in the year to September 2013 by Service Line.

Esther McVey: The Department uses 0845 telephone numbers to handle benefit enquiry calls from claimants for reasons other than to make a new claim to benefit.
	The Figures in the following table represent total calls made to the Department's 0845 working age benefit enquiry lines between 1 October 2012 and 30 September 2013.
	
		
			 Service line Total calls1 
			 Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) Enquiries 7,729,326 
			 Income Support (IS) Enquiries 4,043,262 
			 Incapacity Benefit (IB) Enquiries 950,872 
			 Welsh Language JSA, IS and IB Enquiries 1,940 
			 Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) Enquiries 7,946,419 
			 IB/IS Reassessment 440,563 
			 Welsh language ESA Enquiries and IB/IS Reassessment 1,551 
			 Enquire2 9,450,835 
			 1 Figures exclude calls terminated during automated welcome messaging; internal transfers and calls from Jobcentre ‘Customer Access’ phones. 2 Calls to the Enquire service line ceased in September 2013. Calls were redirected to benefit specific service lines.

Jobseeker's Allowance

John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will publish the latest available statistics and update the figures published to June 2013 on the proportion of jobseeker's allowance claimants who have been sanctioned (a) in total and (b) for each of the welfare to work programmes that his Department is currently operating; and if he will publish the figures on a (i) regional, (ii) local authority and (iii) constituency basis.

Esther McVey: There is no intention to publish the data as requested.
	However the next release of official statistics on JSA and ESA sanctions will be on 19 February 2014 and as well as Jobcentre Plus geography breakdown, this will include regional, local authority and parliamentary constituency breakdowns.

Jobseeker's Allowance: Yorkshire and the Humber

Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people in (a) York Central constituency, (b) York local authority and (c) Yorkshire and the Humber (i) had their jobseeker's allowance (JSA) withdrawn as a result of their alleged failure to comply with conditions laid down by his Department, (ii) appealed against that decision and (iii) had their JSA reinstated in October 2012 and each month since then.

Esther McVey: The information requested is not readily available and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost.

Members: Correspondence

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when he expects to reply to the letter to him from the hon. Member for Bishop Auckland of 20 November 2013 relating to employment and support allowance.

Esther McVey: I replied to the to the hon. Member on 18 December 2013.

Occupational Pensions

Toby Perkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps he is taking to ensure that companies who have fewer than 50 workers in the UK but a larger workforce abroad are not classed as a small business for the purposes of the automatic pension enrolment programme.

Steve Webb: The process for fixing staging dates for automatic enrolment is set out in legislation. Staging dates are determined by the number of workers in the PAYE scheme on 1 April 2012. Each employer's staging date was set using the latest information available to the regulator as at 1 April 2012.
	There may be discrepancies between some employers' international size and the size of their UK PAYE scheme at 1 April 2012. The Pensions Regulator's must apply the law on staging dates consistently to all employers irrespective of size. Ministers and the regulator have no discretion to change staging dates.

Pensions

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps (a) the Pensions Advisory Service and (b) his Department have taken to promote awareness of the alternatives to pension annuities.

Steve Webb: The information is as follows:
	(a) TPAS has promoted awareness of alternatives to pension annuities via:
	Information provided in response to queries from individuals. TPAS advisers discuss all the options available and the implications of these decisions.
	Speaking to the adviser and provider community about open market options (which will include discussion of alternatives).
	The TPAS website—which contains information about choices when drawing down pension income and individuals are encouraged to contact the organisation to discuss the issue in more detail; and
	Contributing to cross-organisational work codes of practice regarding retirement choice.
	(b) DWP has promoted awareness of alternative to annuities via:
	Regulations that require all money purchase schemes to write to their members as they approach retirement age and provide them with information about their retirement choices. This information is known as a ‘wake up pack’ and must include a leaflet that sets out all options; providers can use the Money Advice Service (MAS) leaflet "Pensions: Your Time to Choose" or an equivalent wording.
	Promoting a clear 'three step customer journey' within the above literature—step 2 is about considering what type of income best suits the particular circumstances of the individual—annuity or other option, and if an annuity, what shape of annuity; and
	Ensuring outputs from the Open Market Option Review Group, which DWP chairs, reflect the three step journey. Examples are: the ABI Code of Conduct on Retirement Choices; the MAS leaflet; and the Pension Regulator's Guidance to Trustees.

Post Office Card Account

Andrew Love: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  on what basis the contract for the Post Office card account will be tendered if a new contract is continued into 2015; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what steps he is taking to ensure the continuation of the Post Office card account once the contract for the provision of that account expires in March 2015.

Michael Penning: DWP is in discussion with Post Office Ltd, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and the Treasury, about the future for the Post Office card account. The details of these discussions remain confidential for commercial reasons. The contract does include the option to extend for up to two years from March 2015.

Poverty

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what definition his Department uses for (a) poverty and (b) relative low income.

Esther McVey: The Government uses a range of measures to quantify poverty. Relative low income is one measure, and is used in the Households Below Average Income National Statistics publication. Someone is in relative low income if they are in a household that receives less than 60% of the median equivalised net household income (‘average income’). Other main measures of poverty presented in the Households Below Average Income National Statistics publication include:
	Absolute low income—where someone lives in a household that receives less than 60% of the average household income in 2010-11 adjusted for inflation;
	Combined low income and material deprivation for children—where a child is in material deprivation and lives in a household where income is less than 70% of the average household income;
	Persistent poverty—where someone lives in a household where income is less than 60% of average household income for at least three out of the last four years;
	Material deprivation for pensioners; and
	Some variations of relative and absolute low income—where someone lives in a household that receives less than 50% or 70% of the average household income. These measures are supplementary to the 60% measure.
	Relative low income, absolute low income, persistent poverty, and variations of relative and absolute low income are measured both before housing costs and after housing costs. Housing costs include; rent (gross of housing benefit); water rates, community water charges and council water charges; mortgage interest payments; structural insurance premiums (for owner occupiers); ground rent and service charges.
	The Child Poverty Act 2010 sets four income-based UK-wide targets to be met by 2020. The targets are based on the proportion of children living in households with relative low income, combined low income and material deprivation, absolute low income and persistent poverty (all before housing costs have been taken into account) as outlined above.
	We want to develop better measures of child poverty which include, but go beyond, income to provide a more accurate picture of the reality of child poverty and drive the right action. The Government has consulted on how best to measure child poverty. The complexity of the issue means that we need to take time to ensure we have the best measure of child poverty. We will publish our response as soon as we can.

Social Security Benefits

Roger Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  what steps his Department takes to ensure that people who are entitled to claim advances of benefits are made aware that they may do so;
	(2)  who is eligible to claim advances in benefits; and under what circumstances such advances may be claimed.

Esther McVey: Short-term benefit advances and universal credit advances are available to support claimants to meet day to day expenses, normally whilst the claimant is waiting for their first benefit payment. To be offered an advance there must be a likelihood that benefit will be paid and the claimant must be in financial need (defined as a serious risk of damage to the health or safety of the claimant or a member of his family). These advances are not a specific benefit or a separate scheme like the Social Fund and the process reflects this. Where the claimant tells us they are in financial need then DWP staff will consider an advance where appropriate. This will most commonly happen at the new claims stage when DWP staff are discussing with the claimant what will happen next. In universal credit this discussion can include budgeting advice.
	A budgeting advance is an advance of benefit that may be available to universal credit claimants on low income who have been claiming universal credit, or a qualifying legacy benefit, continuously for six months or more in order to meet an intermittent need or expense. This could include buying essential items like furniture. Where the expense is linked to obtaining or retaining employment, such as paying up-front childcare costs, the six month qualifying period may be waived. Information about claiming Budgeting Advances is available with other budgeting advice on the DWP universal credit website and the GOV.UK website and from DWP staff. Claimants on the Work programme who require help starting work are told about the availability of budgeting advances to support their entry into work as part of the work service provision.

Social Security Benefits

John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will commission research on the number of benefits claimants sanctioned and the use of food banks; and what assessment he has made of trends in the number of benefits claimants sanctioned over the last three years.

Esther McVey: Trends in the number of benefit claimants sanctioned over the last three years are publicly available and set out at
	JSA sanctions prior to October 2012 (Old Regime decisions) are available at:
	http://tabulation-tool.dwp.gov.uk/sanction/sanction/LIVE/tabtool.html
	JSA New Regime and all ESA sanctions decisions are available at:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/255568/sanctions-nov2013-update-2.xls
	Income Support lone parent regime sanctions are available at:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/income-support-lone-parent-regime-figures-on-sanctions-and-work-focused-interviews--2
	The Department is not currently undertaking any research on the use of food banks. We have a rigorous process for identifying what research to undertake, and projects and the research methodology to be used are agreed following detailed consideration of our information needs, to ensure resources are appropriately focussed, and we achieve value for money. Future research will be considered alongside all other departmental priorities.

Universal Credit

Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to his written statement of 5 December 2013, Official Report, columns 65-6WS, on universal credit, what budget he has allocated to the new digital service for universal credit.

Esther McVey: Costs for the future development of the digital service remain subject to on-going commercial discussions.

Universal Credit

Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much has been spent on the existing universal credit pathfinder sites.

Esther McVey: The most recent estimate of the cost of existing universal credit pathfinder sites is set out in the NAO report Universal Credit: Early progress, HC 621, published on 5 September 2013.

Universal Credit

Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much the freezing of universal credit work allowances will save.

Esther McVey: Disregards in existing income based benefits are generally not uprated year on year. The £5 earnings disregard in Income Support has been at this level for at least 25 years. In universal credit, new work allowances will improve financial work incentives for many people. For example, in 2018-19, the work allowance for a single person over 25, without children, is projected to be £25.60 per week as compared to the current JSA disregard of £5 per week (2013-14 prices).
	The work allowance rates will be fixed for the first three years, to uprate them by 1% for those three years would lead to an additional cost in the region of £300 million in 2018-19 (2013-14 prices).

Work Programme

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people his Department employed directly from the Work programme in (a) 2011, (b) 2012 and (c) 2013 to date.

Michael Penning: The Department follows civil service recruitment policy, recruiting individuals into equivalent grades. Although the Department keeps information on all recruits, statistics on the numbers of people recruited directly from the Work programme are not collected.

Work Programme

Michael Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the proportion of people on the Work Programme who possess the basic computer literacy skills necessary to use Jobmatch; what support is available for those on the Work Programme who are required to use Universal Jobmatch but do not possess the computer skills to do so, and how such information is used by providers or Jobcentres to ensure skills gaps are addressed.

Esther McVey: The Department does not assess the computer literacy skills of people referred to the Work Programme. The Work Programme offers tailored support to all participants and providers look at individuals' specific skill needs when helping them gain employment.

WOMEN AND EQUALITIES

Ministers

Ian Lucas: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities how much was spent on ministerial salaries in the last year for which figures are available.

Helen Grant: The total spend on ministerial salaries for the financial year 2012-13, is included in the DCMS Annual Report and Accounts which can be found at:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dcms-annual-report-and-accounts-2012-13

CULTURE MEDIA AND SPORT

Arts Council England

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what capital grants were made by Arts Council England for culture-based projects in each region in (a) 2010, (b) 2011, (c) 2012 and (d) 2013 to date.

Edward Vaizey: The Department does not hold the information requested. Arts Council England (ACE) makes its funding decisions independently of Government. ACE publish information on capital grants awarded for culture based projects at:
	http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/funding/apply-for-funding/capital/
	http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/funding/apply-for-funding/capital/small-capital-grants/successful-applicants/
	http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/funding/apply-for-funding/capital/large-capital-grants/successful-applicants/

Film: Advertising

John Whittingdale: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when she will end the statutory requirement for the British Board of Film Classification to clear cinema advertisements.

Edward Vaizey: The Government has announced previously that it will end the requirement for the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) to clear cinema advertising. We are considering the most efficient way to implement the change and will announce next steps shortly.

Football

Caroline Dinenage: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make an assessment of the value of bringing forward legislative proposals to allow the reintroduction of standing areas for English football club stadia.

Helen Grant: The Government currently believes that the requirement for football clubs in the Premier League and Championship to have all-seater stadia is the best way to ensure the safety, security and comfort of spectators at football grounds in England and Wales. The football authorities, police and those responsible for safety support this policy. While the Government do not therefore consider that a compelling case has been made to change the policy, it recognises the importance of continuing to engage in an informed and constructive debate about the issue.

Ministers

Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much was spent on ministerial salaries in the last year for which figures are available.

Helen Grant: The total spend on ministerial salaries for the financial year 2012-13, is included in the DCMS Annual Report and Accounts which can be found at:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dcms-annual-report-and-accounts-2012-13

National Lottery: Grants

William Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will estimate the total level of national lottery grants awarded through the Big Lottery Fund and other disbursement streams in each parliamentary constituency to local groups in the year to 1 October 2013.

Helen Grant: Details for national lottery grants awarded by the Big Lottery Fund and the other lottery distributing bodies can be found on the Department's lottery grants database. The database is searchable by constituency at
	http://www.lottery.culture.gov.uk/AdvancedSearch.aspx
	and uses information on lottery grants supplied by the lottery distributors.

Public Footpaths: Coastal Areas

Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport 
	(1)  what assessment her Department has made of the time frame for full completion of the national coastal footpath around England;
	(2)  how much her Department has budgeted for the introduction of a national coastal footpath around England.

Dan Rogerson: I have been asked to reply 
	on behalf of the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
	I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 7 November 2013, Official Report, column 277W.

Tennis: Young People

Yasmin Qureshi: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps she is taking to promote tennis participation to people between the ages of 16 and 25; and if she will make a statement.

Helen Grant: Sport England has committed £17.4 million over the next four years to get more people playing tennis regularly, with a specific focus on encouraging 16 to 25-year-olds to play more. This includes £1.5 million to the Lawn Tennis Association for 2013-14 to raise participation levels for this age group, through new programmes designed specifically to appeal to young people. In addition, Sport England is investing in tennis through colleges and universities and offering more informal opportunities in community settings such as park courts to make it easier for 16 to 25-year-olds to take up tennis.

William Hill

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will publish a list of all paper and electronic correspondence between (a) Ministers, (b) officials and (c) special advisers in her Department and Andrew Lyman, head of Public Affairs at William Hill plc in the last three years.

Helen Grant: Subject to determining what information is held by the Department within the timetable allowed by the Freedom of Information Act 2000, and whether that information is eligible for disclosure, the Department will look to publish a list of any eligible correspondence in the Libraries of both Houses.

TREASURY

Aviation: Passengers

Steven Baker: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent assessment he has made of the effects of the Commissioners' Directions on passenger information on the UK's general aviation sector.

Nicky Morgan: The Commissioners' Directions, which were made under the Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) 1979, s35 and 64(1) on 21 May 2013, set out the requirement for reporting passenger information in advance. The Directions replaced the previous Directions, which had been in place since 2001.
	Since then a review of the 2013 Directions has taken place and this has identified some operational difficulties with the advance notification time scales. Border Force and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) are working closely with the General Aviation Sector to develop revised time scales as soon as possible. Once there is an agreed proposal HMRC and Border Force will consult widely and will welcome any views at that time.
	While these discussions are under way the time limits specified in these Directions will not be rigorously enforced and existing arrangements for scheduled airlines and shipping traffic remain as before these Commissioners' Directions were published.

Christmas Cards

Michael Dugher: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much his private ministerial office spent on sending Christmas cards in 2012.

Nicky Morgan: The private ministerial office of the Chancellor of the Exchequer spent £456.00 on Christmas cards in 2012, an average cost of 18p a card.
	This compares to a spend of 92p per card under the previous Administration.

Excise Duties: Fuels

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will extend the Excise Payment Security to independent petrol stations; what assessment he has made of the effect on such petrol stations of failing to apply the scheme to them; and if he will make a statement.

Nicky Morgan: The Excise Payment Security System (EPSS) allows compliant taxpayers approved for deferment of excise duties to do so without the need to provide security, such as a bank guarantee.
	EPSS does not apply to or exclude particular sectors. Approval is granted based on compliance history and financial viability. The criteria against which applications are assessed are explained in Frequently Asked Questions published on the HMRC website:
	http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPortalWebApp/channels PortalWebApp.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=pageExcise_ ShowContent&id=HMCE_PROD1_026818&propertyType =document

Financial Services

Michael Meacher: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the number of households who were involved in buying mortgage-backed securities in the UK between 2001 and 2008; and how much compensation those households have received for being sold bad loans to date.

Sajid Javid: The Government has not made any estimates of households involved in buying mortgage backed securities between 2001 and 2008.

Interest Rate Swap Transactions

Ian Swales: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of progress of redress arrangements for businesses subject to interest rate swap mis-selling.

Sajid Javid: The Government is continuing to monitor closely the progress of redress arrangements for businesses subject to interest rate swap mis-selling.
	The Financial Conduct Authority has now published each bank's projections for when they expect to finish the review process. Banks expect to finish the review by June 2014, with a number of banks likely to finish before this date. The Government will continue to track progress against these projections closely.

Loans: Republic of Ireland

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the UK's loan to the Irish Republic will be repaid in full.

Nicky Morgan: The UK agreed in 2010 to provide a bilateral loan to Ireland of £3.2 billion as part of an international financial assistance package of €67.5 billion. The loan was disbursed in eight tranches of £403.37 million each.
	Each tranche has a maturity of 7.5 years from the date of disbursement. The final tranche was disbursed on 26 September 2013 and the final principal repayment of the loan is due on 26 March 2021.
	In accordance with the Loans to Ireland Act 2010, HM Treasury reports to Parliament every six months including information on principal and interest payments.

Northern Rock Asset Management

Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent representations he has received about the Northern Rock Asset Management Group; and if he will make a statement.

Sajid Javid: The Chancellor of the Exchequer has not received any recent representations on Northern Rock Asset Management Group.

Pensions

Mark Hoban: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of alternatives to pension annuities.

David Gauke: When people have saved hard for a pension, it is right that they should get the best out of their savings at retirement.
	In addition to ongoing work on the annuities market, the Government has increased opportunities to save and has given people more freedom with their retirement plans by removing both the default retirement age and the effective requirement to purchase an annuity by age 75. Individuals are permitted to take 25% of their accumulated pension saving as a tax-free lump sum before securing an income with the remaining savings. The Government has also reformed the capped drawdown rules and raised the annual limit from 100% to 120% of the value of an equivalent annuity. This will help raise the retirement incomes of individuals in drawdown arrangements who may have recently experienced reductions in drawdown income due to current conditions.

Pensions

Mark Hoban: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the take-up of (a) flexible drawdown pensions and (b) capped drawdown pensions.

David Gauke: In financial, year 2011-12 1,593 payments were made from pension funds under flexible drawdown arrangements. HMRC does not hold information for the financial year 2012-13, and does not collect data on take up of capped drawdown arrangements.

Smuggling: Fuels

William McCrea: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate HM Revenue and Customs has made of loss of revenue as a result of fuel laundering in Northern Ireland in (a) 2010, (b) 2011 and (c) 2012.

Nicky Morgan: No assessment has been made of the loss of revenue purely as a result of fuel laundering activities in Northern Ireland. However, tax gap figures published in the document at the following link give estimates of revenue lost to illicit fuel on the GB mainland, and the non-UK duty paid market share in Northern Ireland, which includes both legitimate cross border shopping and illicit fuel.
	Additionally, as highlighted in this report HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) analysts have, for the first time, developed a methodology that, tentatively, splits out the legitimate cross border shopping element and estimates the market share for all illicit diesel in Northern Ireland at 12% to 13% in 2011-12.
	http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/statistics/tax-gaps/mtg-2013.pdf
	HMRC fights fraud on a wide range of fronts, from special units performing thousands of roadside checks to raiding laundering plants. HMRC have also recently concluded the evaluation of a possible new marker for rebated fuel, which will make it harder to launder marked fuel and sell it at a profit.

Social Security Benefits

Fiona O'Donnell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether maternity and paternity pay will be included in the cap on welfare spending announced in the Autumn Statement 2013.

Nicky Morgan: As set out in the autumn statement 2013, the welfare cap will apply to all benefits, with the exception of the state pension and jobseeker’s allowance (JSA) and its passported housing benefit (HB).
	The welfare cap is not a line-by-line cap. The Government will be held to account for total welfare spending. Changes in individual spending lines will not automatically require policy action in those policy areas.

Social Security Benefits

Alasdair McDonnell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer which benefits (a) will and (b) will not be included in the welfare cap.

Nicky Morgan: Autumn statement 2013 confirmed that the welfare cap will apply to all social security and personal tax credits expenditure for the UK, with exclusions for the basic and additional state pension and the most cyclical elements of welfare spending: jobseeker’s allowance (JSA) and JSA-passported housing benefit expenditure.

Taxation: Metals

Chris Kelly: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate his Department has made of the likely change in tax receipts in (a) 2013-14, (b) 2014-15 and (c) 2015-16, due to the (i) ban on cash payment for non-precious metal contained in the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 and (ii) reform of the scrap metal industry through the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 compared to tax receipts in 2012-13.

Nicky Morgan: The legislative changes contained in the Legal Aid, Sentencing, and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 and the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 were prompted by escalating thefts of scrap metal. As some of the changes have only just come into effect it is too early to say what impact they are having on tax receipts.

Taxation: Metals

Chris Kelly: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the value of cash transactions within the scrap metal industry that avoided direct and indirect taxes due to evasive record keeping in the latest year for which figures are available.

Nicky Morgan: There are no estimates of the value or the tax lost specifically due to cash transactions within the scrap metal industry.
	HMRC published its latest available estimates of tax losses in “Measuring Tax Gaps 2013”
	http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/statistics/tax-gaps/mtg-2013.pdf
	The publication includes an overall estimate of evasion for 2011-12.

Tonnage Tax

Karl Turner: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish the (a) strategic and (b) commercial links to the UK that (i) owners and (ii) managers of vessels applying for inclusion in the tonnage tax scheme are required to demonstrate in order to qualify for that scheme.

Nicky Morgan: Strategic management and commercial management of vessels within tonnage tax are assessed by reference to a range of factors which are described in detail in HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) published Tonnage Tax Manual, specifically at paragraphs 03800 to 03840.

Tonnage Tax

Karl Turner: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish the (a) strategic and (b) commercial links to the UK that (i) owners and (ii) managers of vessels that have qualified for the tonnage tax scheme have demonstrated in each year that the scheme has been in operation.

Nicky Morgan: The UK Tonnage Tax regime is applied only to operators of qualifying vessels.
	Whether the strategic and commercial management test is met in relation to vessels operated is one of the aspects covered by the pre-Tonnage Tax election clearance procedure described in full in HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) published Tonnage Tax Manual, specifically at paragraphs 02010 to 02070.
	Company Tonnage Tax returns are subject to annual risk assessment, one of whose aspects is whether the strategic and commercial management test continues to be met.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

Afghanistan

Toby Perkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will create a country-specific plan for supporting human rights defenders in Afghanistan including a gender analysis and with particular reference to the challenges faced by women human rights defenders.

Hugh Robertson: International support to human rights defenders, including women human rights defenders, is most effective when coordinated through multilateral institutions such as the EU and in particular the UN. These bodies have the expertise and resources to fulfil this important role in country. The UK's approach is to work with and through these institutions to support national efforts. We therefore believe that a UK action plan in isolation would risk duplicating established mechanisms and strategies, and would add little additional value to our existing work to support human rights defenders in Afghanistan.
	This existing work recognises the particular challenges faced by women and those working on women's issues, in line with the EU Guidelines on Human Rights Defenders.

Bangladesh

George Galloway: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations his Department made to the Bangladesh authorities about the death sentence passed on Abdul Quader Mollah (a) before and (b) after his execution.

Hugh Robertson: I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 17 December 2013, Official Report, column 563W.

Central Africa

Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the stage of peace talks in the Great Lakes region of Africa.

Mark Simmonds: We welcome the conclusion of the peace talks between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the M23. The Kampala Peace Talks were concluded on 12 December with declarations signed by both the DRC and M23.
	I commend the engagement of the Ugandan mediators in facilitating the conclusion as well as the sustained efforts of the Government of the DRC and the Group of Special Envoys for the Great Lakes who all helped to shepherd this process to a successful conclusion.

Central Africa

Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made in the Great Lakes region peace talks in the last six months.

Mark Simmonds: Intensive diplomatic efforts, including by myself and the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), with regional leaders, Foreign Ministers and the UN over the past six months, have resulted both in the M23's announcement on 5 November 2013 that it would cease its military action and the conclusion of the Kampala Talks on 12 December 2013 by the singing of declarations by the Democratic Republic of the Congo and M23.

Central African Republic

Fiona Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what specialist training or experience representatives of his Department working (a) on the ground in or near the Central African Republic and (b) in the UK to help tackle the current problems in that country have in conflict resolution in respect of sectarian and religious differences.

Mark Simmonds: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) officials working on Central African Republic (CAR) policy have a range of conflict resolution experience including the impact of sectarian and religious differences. The FCO has the support of specialist conflict advisers from various UK departments both in the region and through the tri-departmental Stabilisation Unit which has access to experts in a range of areas, including conflict resolution in respect of sectarian and religious differences. The FCO does not have an embassy in CAR, but covers the country from Yaounde, Cameroon.

Central African Republic

Fiona Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information his Department holds on the extent to which UN representatives dealing with the conflict in the Central Africa Republic have (a) specialist training and (b) experience in conflict resolution in respect of sectarian and religious differences.

Mark Simmonds: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office does not have detailed information on UN officials working on the Central African Republic (CAR). However, we understand the UN Office in CAR—BINUCA—is staffed with political, human rights, and protection advisers. In addition, the UN Department of Political Affairs (DPA) has taken on a strong role on CAR in 2013 due to the insecure environment in which BINUCA has had to operate, and is able to draw on mediation and conflict-resolution experts. The UK is providing US$ 11 million support to DPA from 2011 to 2014.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations the Government has made to the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo on that country signing the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework Agreement.

Mark Simmonds: On 12 December I spoke to DRC President Kabila, and I have spoken regularly to the DRC Foreign Minister and also to the Chair of the Elections Commission to remind them of their obligations under the Peace Security and Cooperation Framework (PSCF). Senior Foreign and Commonwealth officials in Kinshasa have regular dialogues the DRC Government, in all relevant departments, about the need to make progress under the PSCF. In my statement on the conclusion of the Kampala Talks, I highlighted that the focus should now move swiftly to implementation of the PSCF. This remains the best hope for building sustainable peace and prosperity in eastern DRC.

Guatemala

Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with (a) the Government of Guatemala and (b) his EU counterparts on the provisions on human rights and the rule of law in the EU trade deal with Guatemala; and what his strategy is for supporting human rights and the rule of law in Guatemala.

Hugo Swire: I have discussed the EU-Central America Association Agreement (EU-CA AA) with the Government of Guatemala on several occasions over the past year. We are committed to supporting the rule of law and the protection of human rights, which are crucial for Guatemala's democratic, social and economic development.
	The British embassy in Guatemala City works closely with UN and EU officials to monitor the overall human rights situation in Guatemala. Embassy officials contributed to a joint EU human rights strategy in which enhancing protection mechanisms for human rights defenders, contributing to the reduction of social conflicts, and strengthening the justice system feature as priority actions.
	In addition, the British embassy in Guatemala City regularly engages with the government, private sector International Labour Organisation representatives, and trade unionists to discuss ILO 87, a core convention for the EU-CA AA.

Guatemala

Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Guatemalan Government in support of a free, fair and transparent process for the upcoming elections for the senior judiciary in that country; and what discussions he has had on international observers for those elections.

Hugo Swire: There have been no ministerial representations made to the Government of Guatemala on the judicial elections scheduled for 2014.

Guatemala

Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Guatemalan Government on the trial of General Rios Montt and international standards on amnesties; and what discussions he has had with his counterparts in the EU regarding due process in that trial.

Hugo Swire: There have been no ministerial representations to the Government of Guatemala on the trial of Efrain Rios Montt. However, the UK recognises the historical significance of this case and has worked closely with EU member states in Brussels and in Guatemala City to monitor its progress. UK representatives also joined EU colleagues in observing trial proceedings and have engaged in discussions with prosecution lawyers. In April, prior to the initial conviction, the spokesperson of the EU High Representative issued a statement on behalf of member states reiterating our willingness to assist Guatemalan national efforts to combat impunity and emphasising the need for trials to be independent, impartial and fair. Following the announcement that the trial will resume in 2015, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office will continue to monitor the case and will consider a joint EU response to any future developments.

Occupied Territories

Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of damage caused to Palestinian olive trees caused by Israeli settlers in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

Hugh Robertson: We have not made any recent assessment of the damage caused to Palestinian olive trees by Israeli settlers. However, according to information from the UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), as of 9 December 2013 OCHA has recorded the damage or destruction of over 10,510 olive trees or saplings in the context of settler-related incidents.

Palestinians

Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is towards Palestinian membership of the International Olive Council.

Hugh Robertson: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 16 December 2013, Official Report, column 420W.

Palestinians

Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to the Israeli Government regarding the blockade of Gaza; and if he will make a statement. [R]

Hugh Robertson: Officials from our embassy in Tel Aviv raised the issue of easing of restrictions on 15 December with the Head of the Civil Coordination Department of the Israeli Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories Office (COGAT), and on 3 December with Head of COGAT's International Division.

Religious Freedom

Fiona Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if his Department will review the effectiveness of its strategy on tackling abuse of the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion (a) in jurisdictions where there is persecution of Christians and (b) in all other jurisdictions where such abuse is taking place.

David Lidington: The promotion and protection of freedom of religion or belief is a human rights priority for this Government and we keep our strategy for tackling it under constant review. We will continue to do so including through our new expert advisory group on freedom of religion or belief, which we will establish under the Senior Minister of State, my right hon. and noble Friend Baroness Warsi in the new year.
	We believe that there is a need for a stronger international response to the persecution of Christians and other religious minorities around the world. For this reason Baroness Warsi will be convening a major conference on this issue in early 2014.

Sri Lanka

Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs with reference to the Prime Minister's statement at CHOGM in Colombo in November 2013 that, if the Government of Sri Lanka does not complete investigations into alleged war crimes in that country by March 2014, he plans to call for an independent international inquiry, what estimate he has made of how quickly after March such an inquiry would (a) commence and (b) conclude.

Hugo Swire: During his meeting with President Rajapaksa, the Prime Minister called for the Sri Lankan Government to hold a credible, independent, and transparent investigation into allegations of war crimes. If such a process has not begun properly by March 2014, we will use our place on the UN Human Rights Council to call for an international investigation. It remains too early to make a judgment on the precise details and timings of any international investigation.

BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS

Bisphenol A

John Leech: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many manufacturers of the chemical Bisphenol A are based in the UK.

Michael Fallon: There is no manufacturing of Bisphenol A in the UK.

Bisphenol A

John Leech: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what volume of the chemical Bisphenol A (BPA) the UK has produced over the last six years; what proportion of global production this constitutes; and what proportion of the total UK production of BPA is used in the food and drinks packaging industry (a) globally and (b) within the UK.

Michael Fallon: There is no production of Bisphenol A in the UK.

Business: Regulation

Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what steps his Department is taking to reduce the pressure of regulation on small businesses.

Michael Fallon: The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has already started to reduce the pressure of regulation on small businesses by giving them the flexibility to determine the most appropriate set of accounting rules for them, along with flexibility in how they submit their company reports through regulatory changes to audit rules; extending the qualifying period of unfair dismissal to two years; introducing a new employment status of employee shareholder; withdrawing the extension of the right to request time to train to businesses with fewer than 250 employees, saving businesses around £390 per year and by launching an on-line tool called 'Employing Staff for the first time'.
	More generally, this Government has taken specific and concrete steps to reduce the regulatory burdens placed on business by exempting micro businesses and start-ups from new regulations introduced across Government. From 1 April 2014 this will be extended to include small businesses (with up to 50 employees), through the introduction of the Small and Micro Business Assessment (SaMBA). We have also introduced the One-In, One-Out rule, so that if a Department wants to introduce a new regulation which generates costs for business, they must first identify a corresponding cut in regulation elsewhere with the same value. In January 2013 this was increased to a more demanding One-In, Two-Out rule. Departments now need to find £2 of savings for every £1 cost they introduce. To date, as set out in the 7th Statement of New Regulation published on 17 December 2013, we have cut the costs of domestic regulation by £1.19 billion.
	The Government has committed to scrap or improve at least 3,000 regulations that affect business through the Red Tape Challenge—the cross-Whitehall programme to review the existing stock of regulation.
	Almost 2,000 regulations have already been identified for reform, and over 800 changes have been implemented to date, saving businesses over £300 million per year, with further savings not yet quantified.
	Since the Red Tape Challenge was launched in April 2011 BIS has been involved in more themes than any other Government Department, leading on seven and contributing to a further two. BIS has reviewed over 1,000 regulations and will be improving or scrapping over 60% of them.

Business: Regulation

Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what recent discussions he has had with the Minister for the Cabinet Office on the red tape challenge.

Michael Fallon: The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, the right hon. Member for Twickenham (Vince Cable), regularly discusses the red tape challenge with the Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General, my right hon. Friend the Member for Horsham (Mr Maude), at the Reducing Regulation Cabinet Sub-Committee (RRC), which he chairs.
	The Government is making good progress with the red tape challenge target to identify, by end 2013, 3,000 regulations to scrap or reform. Almost 800 changes have already been implemented and are already saving businesses around £300 million per year, plus other further savings not yet quantified.
	Day to day responsibility for the red tape challenge is shared between me as the Minister of State for Business and Energy, and the Minister for Government Policy, my right hon. Friend the Member for West Dorset (Mr Letwin), whom I meet regularly to receive updates from officials and discuss progress on implementation.
	The full list of red tape challenge reforms and their associated cost saving for business will be published in early 2014 to Parliament and the general public.

Business: Regulation

Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what steps his Department is taking to ensure small businesses can receive assured advice on regulation.

Michael Fallon: This Government is committed to ensuring regulatory enforcement supports small businesses to comply and grow. One way regulators can do this is by providing assured advice which is given on the basis that, where it is followed, the regulator will treat the business as compliant. This safeguards against inconsistency and provides businesses with confidence to invest in compliance.
	To encourage those undertaking regulatory functions to provide assured advice wherever possible this Department has strengthened the statutory Regulators' Code to make clear that regulators should provide advice and guidance that is focused on assisting those they regulate to understand and meet their responsibilities. The revised Code also provides that, in responding to requests for advice, a regulator's primary concern should be to provide the advice necessary to support compliance, and to ensure that the advice can be relied on. The revised Code was published in draft in July 2013 and it will be laid in Parliament in the new year with a view to the provisions coming into force in April 2014.
	In addition, eligible businesses can join the statutory primary authority scheme pursuant to Part 2 of the Regulatory Enforcement and Sanctions Act 2008. Under this scheme primary authorities have a statutory function of giving advice and guidance to business about a wide range of regulatory functions exercised by local authorities. A local authority cannot then take enforcement action which is inconsistent with that advice and guidance.
	The primary authority scheme was recently extended by the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 so that members of trade associations and franchisees are now eligible to form primary authority partnerships. This opens up the benefits of the scheme to the 48% of small businesses which rely on advice from trade associations to help them comply with regulation, and almost 37,000 franchise outlets
	1
	. We also intend to lay a statutory instrument in the new year to extend the primary authority scheme even further so that it covers fire safety regulations.
	1 Business Perception Survey 2012
	http://www.bis.gov.uk/assets/biscore/better-regulation/docs/b/12-p145-business-perceptions-survey-2012-report.pdf

Companies: Registration

Yasmin Qureshi: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what information companies will have to submit to the new registry of beneficial company ownership.

Jo Swinson: The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills published the Transparency and Trust discussion paper in July 2013. In it, we sought views on a range of questions relating to implementation of the central registry of company beneficial ownership information, including the information that companies would be required to submit. We are carefully considering the responses received to the discussion paper and will respond fully in early 2014.

Copyright: Design

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills if he will make an estimate of the cost to the design sector of each month before the commencement of section 74 of the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013.

David Willetts: The evidence received during the recent Call for Evidence will help to shape the consultation on the date of the repeal and any necessary transitional provisions, which will be launched in due course. This will include consideration of the costs and benefits of the transitional options.
	The Call for Evidence on the timing of the repeal of section 52 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, which would be implemented by virtue of section 74 of the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013, closed on 27 November 2013.

Energy: Industry

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills 
	(1)  whether he expects compensation for UK energy-intensive industries affected by the carbon floor price to be considered by the European Commission under the current state aid guidelines or the forthcoming revised state aid guidelines; and what assessment he has made of how the new guidelines would affect the prospect of state aid approval being granted;
	(2)  what obstacles remain to securing state aid approval from the European Commission for compensation for UK energy-intensive industries affected by the carbon floor price; and what assessment he has made of the probability of state aid approval being refused;
	(3)  what contingency plans he has to protect UK energy-intensive industries in the event of the European Commission refusing to grant state aid approval for compensation for the carbon floor price.

Michael Fallon: The European Commission are using the existing energy and environmental state aid guidelines to consider the UK Government's state aid case for compensating Energy Intensive Industries (EIIs) for the cost of the carbon price floor.
	The revision to these state aid guidelines were formally released by the European Commission for consultation on 18 December 2013. The UK Government will respond to the Commission in due course.
	We have had extensive engagement with the European Commission on the state aid case and are awaiting a response from the Commission on our recent submission. Dependent on their response we expect to submit our formal notification early in the new year.

Exports: Government Assistance

Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has made of the number of small businesses in (a) England, (b) London and (c) Hendon constituency UKTI has helped to start exporting.

Michael Fallon: UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) supported 31,880 individual businesses in the 2012-13 financial year, 70% of which had less than 50 employees. Breakdowns of the data at either the regional or constituency level are not available and could be provided only at a disproportionate cost.
	For further detail on UKTI's Performance and Impact Monitoring Survey (PIMS) please see the UKTI website:
	http://www.ukti.gov.uk/uktihome/aboutukti/ourperformance/performanceimpactandmonitoringsurvey/quarterlysurveys.html

Exports: Medway

Rehman Chishti: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many small and medium-sized enterprises in Medway local authority area started exporting to a new market for the first time as a direct result of the work of UK Trade and Investment South East in the last (a) 12 months and (b) two years.

Michael Fallon: UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) supported 31,880 individual firms in the 2012-13 financial year, 5,530 of which were new to exporting.
	UKTI does not track the number of supported firms that started exporting to a new market for the first time. Instead, our performance and impact monitoring surveys measure additional sales and the business benefits derived as a result of the support provided. The UKTI Annual Report and Accounts (Annex C) provides a short overview to PIMS:
	http://www.ukti.gov.uk/uktihome/item/534440.html

New Businesses: Wiltshire

Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many start-up loans have been granted to businesses in (a) Swindon and (b) Wiltshire in the last five years.

Matthew Hancock: Since the launch of the start-up loan scheme in September 2012, eight loans with a value of £50,900 have been made in Swindon and 23 loans with a value of £128,350 have been made in Wiltshire.

Retail Trade

Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills 
	(1)  what assessment he has made of how his Department’s retail strategy will benefit retailers in Hendon constituency;
	(2)  what steps his Department is taking to support the retail industry.

Michael Fallon: Actions included in the BIS Retail Strategy, published in October 2013, address barriers to growth for all retailers, including those in Hendon, and help them prepare for the future.
	Government recognises that retailers are experiencing difficult times, which is why the recent autumn statement of 5 December 2013, Official Report, columns 1101-13, announced the biggest business rates support package for 20 years including:
	for all businesses the RPI increase in business rates capped at 2% in 2014-15;
	extending the doubling of the small business rate relief for a further year to 31 March 2015. 540,000 small businesses benefit;
	a business rates discount of £1,000 for smaller retail premises for two years, benefiting around 300,000 shops, pubs and restaurants;
	a 50% discount for 18 months, for new occupants of vacant shops;
	relaxing the small business rate relief criteria to remove the disincentive for the smallest businesses to take on second properties to support small business growth;
	allowing ratepayers to insist that their billing authority lets them to pay their bills over 12 instalments, in time for payment of 2014-15 bills; and
	consultation on increasing the transparency of the valuation system, and providing more information to businesses to improve confidence in the system—BIS helped to support the design of this measure.
	We have also been working with the Department for Communities and Local Government on the town centre support package which was launched on 6 December 2013. As well as the announcement on business rates, the package is a mixture of support on parking and planning:
	banning CCTV for parking;
	allowing residents/firms to review parking policies;
	a freeze on parking penalty charges;
	a review of business improvement districts;
	consultations on new permitted development rights;
	making it easier to implement local development orders;
	guidance on retail land reviews;
	consultation to tackle aggressive parking policies, which harm high streets;
	a call for evidence on red tape; and
	a competition for digital technology on high streets in January.
	This work builds on a range of other measures this Government has taken to help high streets:
	£2.3 million to support the 27 portas pilots;
	£10 million from the High Street Innovation Fund to support 100 towns with high vacancy rates and those affected by the riot;
	£500,000 loan fund for new business improvement districts; and
	Funded 350 town teams across the country.
	In addition, retailers including those in Hendon are entitled to the full range of business support services that BIS provide. “Small business: GREAT ambition”, published on 7 December 2014, is our commitment to making it easier for ambitious small businesses to grow. It responds to feedback from small businesses about how Government can help at different points in their growth journey.
	The publication coincided with Small Business Saturday, which Government was pleased to support. Small Business Saturday was an opportunity for everyone to celebrate small local firms. On the day, I visited a number of independent shops in my constituency and I am aware that many of my ministerial colleagues did the same.

Royal Bank of Scotland

Chuka Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what meetings and discussions took place between (a) Ministers and (b) officials of his Department and (i) the Financial Conduct Authority, (ii) the Prudential Regulation Authority and (iii) the Serious Fraud Office on Mr Lawrence Tomlinson's report on RBS ahead of its publication.

Matthew Hancock: Departmental officials forwarded Lawrence Tomlinson's full and unredacted report to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) on 23 October 2013, and to the Prudential Regulation Authority on 30 October 2013. The Department also authorised the FCA to pass the report to the Serious Fraud Office after receiving Mr Tomlinson's permission to do so on 30 October 2013. Officials in the Department discussed the report with the FCA to ensure that the context within which it had been prepared was understood.

Science: Finance

Stephen Metcalfe: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills whether the science budget will continue to be ring-fenced after 2015.

David Willetts: The Government has continued to state its support for science despite the tough financial situation with the science ringfence and the commitment to an increased long term capital budget to 2021.
	Current budgets for post 2015 are not yet set. They will be decided in the next Spending Review after the general election.

Students: Fees and Charges

Liam Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many first year undergraduates have paid annual tuition fees of (a) less than £2,000, (b) between £2,000 and £3,000, (c) between £3,000 and £4,000, (d) between £4,000 and £5,000, (e) between £5,000 and £6,000, (f) between £6,000 and £7,000, (g) between £7,000 and £8,000 and (h) between £8,000 and £9,000 in (i) 2012-13 and (ii) 2013-14.

David Willetts: The information is not yet available. From the academic year 2012/13, the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) started to capture information on the tuition fees charged to new students. This includes the “gross fee” charged before any financial support from the institution such as waivers are taken into account, and the “net fee” charged after adjustments have been made for financial support provided by their institution. This is the first year this information has been collected and analysts at HESA are assessing this data for quality and completeness.

Students: Loans

Liam Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has made of the effects of the Office for Budget Responsibility's latest forecast of average earnings of growth on his Department's estimate of the Resource Accounting and Budgeting charge.

David Willetts: We continue to review our estimate of the Resource Accounting and Budgeting (RAB) charge in light of new earnings data and other factors. Our current estimate of the RAB charge for post-2012 loans is around 40%.

Timesharing: Fees and Charges

Michael Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what progress is being made on persuading timeshare companies to remove the in perpetuity clause on management fees from current contracts with ageing people.

Jo Swinson: The Department has asked the Office of Fair Trading to take a look at these long-term agreements and it hopes to report back to us early next year. In the Government's view, an “in perpetuity” clause cannot be enforced on a beneficiary of a deceased person's estate if they do not accept a bequeathed contract.
	The Timeshare Association (TATOC) reports that timeshare companies in the UK are willing to engage with them and with timeshare owners, with a view to setting conditions under which timeshare owners might exit from their contracts, for example for reasons of age or ill health. The representative body for the timeshare industry, the Resort Development Organisation (RDO), has assured the Department that the trend in the industry is away from very long-term contracts, with consumers preferring only to commit to timeshare products for shorter periods. It too has been working with its members to establish rules and practices whereby timeshare owners who meet certain conditions can leave their contracts or convert them into other products which do not carry ongoing liabilities.

Trading Standards

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has made of the total number of trading standards officers in each year since 2010.

Jo Swinson: Neither the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills nor the Department for Communities and Local Government produces data on the total number of trading standards officers. Local authorities are responsible for determining local trading standards activity, including the number of officers in post.

William Hill

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what meetings he has had with Andrew Lyman, head of Public Affairs at William Hill plc, in the last three years; on what date any such meetings were held; and what the purpose of those meetings was in each instance.

Jo Swinson: Ministers' meetings with external organisations are published quarterly on the gov.uk internet site and details are available via the following link:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-business-innovation-skills/series/bis-quarterly-publications-april-to-june-2012

CABINET OFFICE

Breast Cancer

John Leech: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what the age-standardised incidence rate for breast cancer is; how many diagnoses of breast cancer there were in (a) England, (b) each of the 15 Public Health England regional centres, (c) each primary care trust area and (d) each parliamentary constituency in each year since 2000.

Nick Hurd: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply.
	Letter from Carol Walker, dated December 2013
	On behalf of the Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your recent question.
	What the age-standardised incidence rate for breast cancer is; how many diagnoses of breast cancer there were in (a) England, (b) each of the 15 Public Health England regional centres, (c) each primary care trust area and (d) each parliamentary constituency in each year since 2000.
	Table 1 provides number of newly diagnosed cases and the age-standardised incidence rate for female breast cancer in England for each year from 2000 to 2011 (the latest year available).
	Table 2 provides the number of newly diagnosed cases of breast cancer (incidence) by Public Health England centres for each year from 2000 to 2011 (the latest year available). A copy of Table 2 has been placed in the House of Commons Library.
	Table 3 provides the number of newly diagnosed cases of breast cancer (incidence) by primary care organisations for each year from 2000 to 2011 (the latest year available). Primary care organisations were abolished on the 1st April 2013 and replaced by clinical commissioning groups. A copy of Table 3 has been placed in the House of Commons Library.
	To also supply the number of newly diagnosed cases of breast cancer for each parliamentary constituency for each year from 2000 to 2011 could only be done at disproportionate cost.
	A copy of tables 2 & 3 will be placed in the Library of the House.
	The latest published figures on cancer incidence in England are available on the National Statistics website at:
	http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/publications/re-reference-tables.html?edition=tcm%3A77-302299
	
		
			 Table 1: Number of newly diagnosed cases and age-standardised incidence rates for female breast cancer, England, 2000-111, 2, 3, 4 
			  Number of newly diagnosed cases Age standardised incidence rate 
			 2000 35,050 117.5 
			 2001 35,802 118.8 
			 2002 35,679 118.2 
			 2003 37,857 124.2 
			 2004 38,180 124.8 
			 2005 39,068 125.8 
			 2006 39,113 124.7 
			 2007 38,972 123.0 
			 2008 40,552 126.5 
			 2009 40,569 125.0 
			 2010 41,604 126.6 
			 2011 41,523 124.8 
			 1 Breast cancer is coded as C50 in the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10). 2 Around 99% of breast cancer cases are in women. 3 Newly diagnosed cases registered in each calendar year. 4 Excludes non-residents.

Cybercrime: Crime Prevention

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office 
	(1)  when the extra £210 million announced by his Department on 12 December 2013 was assigned to the cyber security budget; and from where it has been allocated;
	(2)  what the budget for cyber security is for each Department in each year of the current spending round;
	(3)  what recent assessment he has made of future funding need of the cyber security programme; and if he will publish that assessment.

Francis Maude: The additional £210 million funding to the National Cyber Security Programme was announced in the spending review 2013 in June. The budget for the remaining years of the programme is £210 million in both 2014-15 and 2015-16. This money has yet to be allocated to Departments, who are required to submit business cases to support their proposals each year. It is important to retain flexibility, to keep decisions on funding agile in response to a fast moving technological and threat landscape.
	Funding for cyber beyond 2015-16 will be decided in subsequent spending reviews.

Employment: Swindon

Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many people are employed in (a) Swindon North constituency and (b) Swindon in (i) commerce, (ii) manufacturing, (iii) the service sector and (iv) the financial sector.

Nick Hurd: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply.
	Letter from Peter Fullerton, dated December 2013
	On behalf of the Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many people are employed in (a) Swindon North constituency and (b) Swindon in (i) commerce, (ii) manufacturing, (iii) the service sector and (iv) the financial sector.
	Annual employment statistics are available from the Business Register and Employment Survey (BRES). Table 1 below contains estimates of the number employed by broad industry group for Swindon North constituency and Swindon Local Authority District in 2012, the most recent year that figures are available.
	The table includes totals of the number employed in the service sector and those employed in businesses considered to be part of industries involved in commerce. Although there is no standard definition of commerce used by the Office for National Statistics, in this table commerce is taken to be the service sector with public administration, education, health and arts, entertainment and recreation removed. This is intended to reflect businesses that are involved in the activity of buying and selling, The table also shows the number employed in the manufacturing and the financial & insurance sectors.
	National and local area estimates for many labour market statistics, including employment, unemployment and claimant count are available on the NOMIS website at:
	http://www.nomisweb.co.uk
	
		
			 Table 1: Employment in Swindon North Constituency and Swindon Local Authority District in 2012 by industry 
			   Employment 
			  Industry Swindon North Constituency Swindon Local Authority District 
			 1 Agriculture, forestry and fishing — — 
			 2 Mining, quarrying and utilities 1,300 2,200 
			     
			 3 Manufacturing 8,700 12,400 
			     
			 4 Construction 2,000 3,400 
			 5 Motor trades 1,400 2,900 
			 6 Wholesale 1,800 4,500 
			 7 Retail 5,300 11,700 
			 8 Transport and storage (inc postal) 4,100 7,300 
			 9 Accommodation and food services 2,300 6,100 
			 10 Information and communication 1,400 3,500 
			     
			 11 Financial and insurance 400 8,000 
			     
			 12 Property 100 1,000 
			 13 Professional, scientific and technical 4,100 8,300 
			 14 Business administration and support services 3,900 9,800 
			 15 Public administration and defence 900 3,000 
			 16 Education 3,700 8,000 
			 17 Health 2,800 10,400 
			 18 Arts, entertainment, recreation and other services 2,900 5,300 
			     
			  Commerce (5 to 14) 24,700 63,200 
			  Service Sector (5 to 18) 35,000 89,800

Pay: Swindon

Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what change there has been in median gross pay in Swindon since 2007.

Nick Hurd: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply.
	Letter from Peter Fullerton, dated December 2013
	On behalf of the Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what change there has been in median gross pay in Swindon since 2007. (181108)
	The Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), carried out in April each year, is the most comprehensive source of earnings information in the United Kingdom. Weekly levels of earnings, estimated from ASHE, are provided for employees on adult rates of pay, whose earnings for the survey pay period were not affected by absence. Figures relate to employee jobs, which are defined as those held by employees and not the self-employed.
	The following table shows estimates of median gross weekly earnings for employees in Swindon Unitary Authority from 2007 to 2013, the latest period for which results are available. These figures show that there was an increase of 1.6 per cent for all employees and an increase of 8.7 per cent for full-time employees in median gross weekly earnings between April 2007 and April 2013.
	
		
			 Median gross weekly earnings (£) for employees1 in Swindon UA, 2007 to 2013 
			  All employees Full time employees 
			 2007 425.4 487.6 
			 2008 *409.9 487.3 
			 2009 409.1 492.5 
			 2010 399.8 511.9 
			 20112 420.7 521.4 
			 20113 414.0 518.2 
			 2012 *411.2 520.9 
		
	
	
		
			 2013 432.4 529.9 
			 Percentage change 1.6 8.7 
			 1 Employees on adult rates whose pay for the survey pay-period was not affected by absence. ASHE is based on a 1 per cent sample of jobs taken from HM Revenue and Customs' Pay As You Earn (PAYE) records. Consequently, individuals with more than one job may appear in the sample more than once. ASHE does not cover the self-employed. 2 2011 results based on Standard Occupational Classification 2000. 3 2011 results based on Standard Occupational Classification 2010. Guide to quality: The Coefficient of Variation (CV) indicates the quality of a figure, the smaller the CV value the higher the quality. The true value is likely to lie within +/- twice the CV-for example, for an average of 200 with a CV of 5%, we would expect the population average to be within the range 180 to 220. Key: * CV > 5% and <=10% x = unreliable CV= Coefficient of Variation Source: Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), Office for National Statistics

Public Sector: Fraud

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office when the Counter Fraud Checking Service will come into operation.

Francis Maude: The CFCS was transferred from the National Fraud Authority to the Cabinet Office in line with the written ministerial statement laid by the Home Secretary on 2 December 2013, Official Report, column 36WS. We are running a set of pilots, between Government and the private sector, to identify the full benefits of an operational service.

Work Programme

Stephen Timms: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many people his Department employed directly from the Work programme in (a) 2011, (b) 2012 and (c) 2013 to date.

Francis Maude: Since 1 April 2011, the Cabinet Office has provided 29 work experience placements under the Work programme.